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Article
Publication date: 14 October 2013

Maria João Bettencourt Gomes de Carvalho Simas, Jorge Francisco Bertinetti Lengler and Nelson José dos Santos António

This paper seeks to integrate sustainable development, based on the application of the extended bottom line (EBL-GMS®) concept, into the implementation of organizational strategy

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to integrate sustainable development, based on the application of the extended bottom line (EBL-GMS®) concept, into the implementation of organizational strategy with the relevant stakeholders. As a result, a theoretical model is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews selected literature to propose and analyse how sustainable development can be integrated into the implementation of organizational strategy.

Findings

This paper proposes a conceptual model that deals with the relationship between sustainable development and implementation of organizational strategy with the distinct stakeholders of a company. In the proposed model, authors indicate how the concept of sustainable development could be operationalized through each of the organizational stakeholders.

Originality/value

Companies, as dynamic systems, are relevant in the implementation process of sustainable development, which requires this concept to be fairly applicable. In general, only one of the bottoms of the triple bottom line (TBL) has been considered, being essential to integrate and consolidate, through an ethical and balanced manner, the economic, social, environmental and corporate identity elements. This paper addresses a critical condition for companies operating in highly competitive contexts: sustainable development and its relationships with strategy implementation. The originality lies in the fact that no studies have analysed the relationship between the sustainable development concept and organizational strategy implementation, based on the operationalisation of the extended bottom line (EBL-GMS®) concept.

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 12 no. 4/5/6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2018

Anuj Singla, Inderpreet Singh Ahuja and Amanpreet Singh Sethi

The purpose of this study is to estimate and extract various significant technology push (TP) strategies influencing sustainable development in Indian manufacturing industries…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to estimate and extract various significant technology push (TP) strategies influencing sustainable development in Indian manufacturing industries. The study critically examines the effectiveness of TP strategies in manufacturing enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive survey of 92 companies has been executed to identify improvements made by TP strategies to achieve sustainable development in manufacturing industries. The companies in the survey include medium− and large−scale manufacturing enterprises. The correlations between various TP strategies and sustainable development indicators are evaluated and validated using various numerical methods and tools.

Findings

The focus of the paper is on the distinguishable contributions made by TP strategies such as innovative capability; research and development; corporate strategy; and export orientation toward achieving sustainable development. The inter−relationships between different TP practices with sustainable development indicators have been evaluated to efficiently manage the objectives of growth and sustainability. The research concludes that two TP strategies, namely, corporate strategy and innovative capability, are found to be substantial in the present context. These strategies have emerged as a foundation for several development initiatives and actively support manufacturing industries in accomplishing sustainable development. however, enterprises need to work more actively on improving less significant issues of TP.

Research limitations/implications

In the present investigation, contributions made by TP practices have been evaluated to accomplish sustainable development in Indian manufacturing industries. Hence, the results obtained may need some modifications before applying to other countries. Moreover, issue−wise independent modeling can also be performed to assess the importance of TP strategies under specific orientations.

Practical implications

The research gives priority to enhancement in the planning among various TP practices and sustainable development indicators in the industries to impart TP as an important practice to meet various challenges of competent markets worldwide.

Social implications

It has been exhibited from the observations that adequate TP strategies can efficiently contribute toward recognition of sustainable development to compete in the highly progressive global market. The results of various inter−relationships among TP practices and sustainable development indicators represent the effectiveness of TP practices for accomplishment of social and organizational objectives.

Originality/value

It has been investigated in the present study that TP practices are significant initiatives taken by the manufacturing industries for performance improvement and sustainable development. The paper elaborates the study to find out TP issues that need to be assessed significantly to avail the advantages of sustainable development and to meet the challenges posed by global market. The inter−relationships among TP strategies and sustainable development indicators have been analyzed using various statistical tools and techniques, such as inter−item covariance test; Pearson’s correlation analysis; multiple regression analysis; analytic hierarchy process and canonical correlation analysis.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2006

Nigel John Roome and Ronald Bergin

This paper seeks to present a longitudinal case study of Ontario Hydro – an industrial organization that used sustainable development as the basis for a strategy of social and…

2172

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a longitudinal case study of Ontario Hydro – an industrial organization that used sustainable development as the basis for a strategy of social and organizational transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the complex factors that influenced the formulation and implementation of this strategy.

Findings

The findings indicate the advanced ambition and authenticity of Ontario Hydro's strategy, even though it was formulated some ten years ago. The study suggests that the strategy was abandoned for reasons that include the gap between the processes identified in the strategy and the processes followed in practice, the absence of platforms to discuss and agree the meaning and practice of sustainable development within the company and its wider system, and the scarcity of skills to facilitate sustainable development as a process of multi‐actor innovation. Consequently, the concept of sustainable development was not translated into practices that had shared meaning for the many actors involved in the energy system of Ontario. While based on a case study of one organization, the findings appear to speak to more general issues of sustainable development as the management of organizational and contextual change.

Practical implications

The paper indicates much about the process of organizational change to effect more sustainable practices within a company and its social context.

Originality/value

No other organization has pursued a strategy for sustainable development with the same claim to authenticity as that of Ontario Hydro, where the strategy was cross‐referenced to Agenda 21 and developed with input from some of the main architects of Agenda 21. Moreover, few studies of sustainable development in the literature span a period as long as this case.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 12 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Anuj Singla, Inderpreet Singh Ahuja and APS Sethi

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and select various significant technology push (TP) strategies affecting sustainable development in manufacturing organizations. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and select various significant technology push (TP) strategies affecting sustainable development in manufacturing organizations. The study deploys structural equation modeling (SEM) technique to empirically validate the interrelationships amongst significant TP strategies and sustainable development indicators in SEM-TP Model.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory factor analysis approach is utilized to generate an effective SEM-TP Model by using AMOS 21 (Analysis of Moment Structures) software. The data have been collected from different manufacturing organizations practicing TP strategies, using a well-framed TP questionnaire for the evolution of SEM-TP Model.

Findings

SEM modeling of various TP strategies like, innovative capability (IC), research and development, corporate strategy (CS) and export orientation towards achieving sustainable development in manufacturing industries has been performed. SEM-TP Model has been planned and reports obtained before and after modification indices (MI) of the model are correlated, which further establishes improvements in model’s effectiveness. The research concludes that two TP strategies namely, IC and CS are found to be significant in the present context. These strategies have emerged as a foundation for several development initiatives and actively support manufacturing industries in achieving sustainable development. The results obtained from final model may support organizational managers and TP practitioners to improve the overall performance of manufacturing industries involved in the present study. The manufacturing enterprises will be able to frame or enhance their corporate strategies and innovative capabilities in a more appropriate way.

Research limitations/implications

In the present study, contributions of TP practices are determined to accomplish sustainable development in manufacturing industries. Otherwise, issue-wise independent modeling can also be performed to assess the importance of TP practices towards achieving quality and sustainable development under specific orientations.

Practical implications

The research gives priority to enhancement in the coordination among various TP practices and sustainable development parameters in the industries, to inculcate TP as a crucial strategy to meet challenges in global markets.

Social implications

It has been exhibited from model that adequate TP strategies can effectively contribute towards recognition of sustainable development to compete in the highly progressive markets. The results of various interrelationships among TP practices and sustainable development indicators in SEM-TP Model portray the effectiveness of TP practices for accomplishment of organizational and social ambitions.

Originality/value

The outcomes of the study will help organizational managers, HR executives and TP practitioners in manufacturing industries to know about the significant TP strategies to be followed holistically for achieving sustainable development.

Details

World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5945

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2021

Dina Ziadlou

The purpose of this study is to explore strategies during transformation to obtain sustainable development and to identify the human-based factors contributing to the…

1999

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore strategies during transformation to obtain sustainable development and to identify the human-based factors contributing to the transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study explored the strategies that health-care leaders need to adopt during transformation to achieve the Sustainable Development of the United Nations' agenda by 2030. The study was conducted in early 2020 among ten health-care leaders in the USA. The research design was an exploratory qualitative approach that used a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire asked of ten US health-care leaders who had experience in leading health-care transformation in their organizations. The study findings identified that health-care leaders can facilitate the achievement of Sustainable Development by establishing strategies in knowledge improvement, innovation development, motivation increment, global strategy and local strategy alignment, leadership support and partnership development.

Findings

Six major themes emerged from the data linked to the central research question: “What are the strategies during digital transformation to make progress in the achievement of Sustainable Development by 2030?” The compressed collection of themes for the study included the following six major themes: knowledge development; innovation development; motivation; global strategy establishment; leadership; collaboration enhancement; and two minor themes, namely, mindset change and vision creation.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the few numbers of participants selected for this study (N = 10) may not be generalizable to other settings. The implication of this study is to identify the significant factors contributing to making progress in sustainable development in health-care organizations. The health-care leaders can learn what significant strategies can be helpful to establish future-based organizations toward achieving sustainability.

Practical implications

The results of this study provided actionable strategies to empower the employees and increase managerial innovation in health-care organizations.

Social implications

Promoting partnership of health-care organizations with social and global activities such as sustainable development goals that are contributing in 5Ps: People, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership and Planet.

Originality/value

The main reason for the study was that health-care leaders worldwide could have a novel study that delineates the digital transformation strategies needed for creating impactful outcomes toward achieving sustainable development. Moreover, this unique study provided a useful outlook for health-care leaders to establish future-based health-care organizations while learning the dynamic of digital transformation is the key for health-care organizations to adapt their strategies for a sustainable future.

Details

Leadership in Health Services, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1879

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2010

Elizabeth Stubblefield Loucks, Martin L. Martens and Charles H. Cho

The purpose of this paper is to explore how to meaningfully engage small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in strategies that improve the social and environmental sustainability…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how to meaningfully engage small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in strategies that improve the social and environmental sustainability of their businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conceptual review of the business case for sustainable development that has been offered to the business world. The paper describes the unique features of SMEs that indicate the need to reframe the case for socially and environmentally sustainable business practices for SMEs, and, using arguments discussed in the literature, we summarize the business case for sustainable development that has been specified for SMEs.

Findings

SMEs need particular attention when it comes to business strategies for sustainable development, since the business case is not the same as for large firms. Furthermore, tools that are developed to support sustainability in SMEs need to recognize that these companies have different resources and profiles than larger firms.

Research limitations/implications

Sustainable development as a concept captures most issues facing our societies, which means there are endless possibilities for companies to find strategies that will impact – and hopefully improve – their social and environmental performance. While this paper does not provide empirical evidence and support, it offers some insights on practical and social implications of SMEs engaging in sustainability.

Practical implications

This overview may help and give ideas to owners and managers of SMEs to rethink their overall business strategy by not only incorporating sustainability in their core values and actions but also implementing such strategy. In fact, this diversity of opportunities is where there is hope for turning the current world trajectory towards healthy and resilient human and natural communities.

Originality/value

This paper provides review of the current debates and opportunities in business strategies for sustainable development, and an application to the realities of business operations for SMEs.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2024

Sajid Ullah, Farman Ullah Khan and Imran Saeed

The aim of the paper is to rank and analyze the key strategies to sustainable finance adoption in the manufacturing sector using Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), Interpretive Structural…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to rank and analyze the key strategies to sustainable finance adoption in the manufacturing sector using Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC (impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification) analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study develops a novel framework to identify and analyze the mutual relationships among set of sustainable policies using extensive literature survey and experts opinion. Initially, the study found 14 strategies to implement sustainable finance with the help of vast literature. Then, the list of identified factors were screened through Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). Based on driving and dependence power, the final list of factors are divided into three categories.

Findings

The study findings reveal that “environmental rules and practices”, “financial incentives, tax reduction and subsidy”, have strongest driving power for promoting sustainable financial system in Pakistani manufacturing sector. Furthermore, “environmental awareness” and “long term vision” are found to be highly influenced by other corresponding elements in a system.

Practical implications

The ISM approach assists professionals, academics, and managers in identifying and ranking policies in implementing green business techniques. The hierarchical representation of ISM results provides a roadmap for decision-makers to navigate and prioritize factors effectively, facilitating the implementation of strategies that contribute to sustainable growth within organizations.

Social implications

The study results provide interesting clues regarding green finance policies that provide the foundations, incentives, protections or other provisions that support the ecological conservancy’s mission. Specifically, the findings guide that government must offer research grants to private enterprises, research and development institutions, and universities to promote environmental protection and develop transformative technologies such as waste recycling, renewable energy, carbon capture, and power consumption.

Originality/value

The exploration of strategies for sustainable finance adoption with the help of mixed methodological approach and classification of these strategies on the basis of importance level is a new attempt in the field of manufacturing sector.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 October 2020

Alessandro Attolico and Rosalia Smaldone

The purpose of this paper is to assess the progresses made by the Potenza province in implementing #weResilient strategy, a risk-informed sustainable development policy-making…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the progresses made by the Potenza province in implementing #weResilient strategy, a risk-informed sustainable development policy-making action at territorial/local levels based on a structural combination of environmental sustainability, territorial safety and climate change contrasting policies; results obtained in supporting and coordinating the municipalities of the provincial territory for creating local conditions to manage risks and sustainable development with a multiscale and multilevel holistic approach based on a wide-area outlook and so contributing directly to the SFDRR Target E, SDGs 11 and 13 and to other goals and targets; The effectiveness of the accountability system on which the approach is based.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual basis: A strong governance based on multi-stakeholder and community engagement; The interdisciplinary nature of risk; Enhancing local resilience is an essential pre-condition for achieving all of the SDGs; Downscaling the experience of Potenza Province to the urban context; 10;The design: Description of #weResilient, the multiscale and multilevel approach in Local Resilience and sustainable development adopted by the Province of Potenza: the Vision and institutional commitment; the accountability; the multi-stakeholder engagement; community and people-centered iaction; the achieved results; the critical points. Description and analysis of the performed supportive actions to the municipalities with a subsidiary and wide-area approach.

Findings

A significant progress in establishing the basis for a risk-informed decision-making at local level; Further significant progresses in promoting inclusive Resilience across the provincial territory; Progress in Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and disaster risk-informed Sustainable Development at local level, including in support of the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda. Achievements and progresses made in local communities engagement; Achievements in performing actions for including communities and people in relevant institutional decision making processes, building capacities, developing capabilities, raising awareness, increasing political will and public support in local disaster risk reduction and achievement of the SDGs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a field-testing of the implementation results of the #weResilient strategy, a risk-informed sustainable development policy-making action at territorial/local levels based on a structural combination of environmental sustainability, territorial safety and climate change contrasting policies; of the coherence of the multiscale and multilevel approach in integrating risk informed and sustainable development pathways; of the improved governance at urban level thanks to the downscaling of the strategy.

Practical implications

Transforming DRR and Resilience to disasters into real “structural” policy-making and actions to be implemented by coordinating territorial and urban development and land-use, with a wide area vision and holistic approach is crucial for the effectiveness of the territorial sustainable development. Moreover, participatory mechanisms can boost althe political will and consequently the related public support. The bottom-up approaches, especially when structured on well defined and clear strategies and supported by concrete actions, are a strategic tool for enhancing the institutional commitment and for enriching the implementation paths also with additional and innovative strategic solution.

Social implications

In the #weResilient strategy implementation most of the efforts have been devoted to setting-up a complex system of progressive engagement having the main purpose of entrusting and engaging key-actors and community in the institutional policy-making regarding territorial and urban sustainable and resilient development. Engaging community in decision-making processes allows governments to tap into wider perspectives and potential solutions to improve decisions, services and actions. At the same time, it provides the basis for productive relationships, improved dialogue, increased sense of belonging and, ultimately, concrete better democracy.

Originality/value

Multiscale and multilevel holistic approaches in downscaling local well defined Resilience and Sustainable Development integrated strategies (#weResilient) provide for the best approach in terms of future growth. Setting a vision, outlining a strategy and implementing actions on those elements with multiscale and holistic approaches is key- success of every local long-term development; various worldwide leading experiences demonstrated by particularly shining governments are a tangible proof of it. So, the value of this work is to illustrate a concrete example of translation of words into actions so to provide guidance and inspiration to other worldwide governments in performing similar path.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2024

Muhammad Sualeh Khattak, Qiang Wu, Maqsood Ahmad and Rizwan Ullah

Grounded in upper echelon (UE) theory, this study aims to examine the role of managerial competencies (business experience, financial literacy and digital literacy) in sustainable

Abstract

Purpose

Grounded in upper echelon (UE) theory, this study aims to examine the role of managerial competencies (business experience, financial literacy and digital literacy) in sustainable development strategy, with resource management as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data collection is conducted through a survey completed by 297 top management teams of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Pakistan. Structural equation modelling in Smart PLS is used to substantiate the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that financially and digitally literate managers significantly contribute to the sustainable development strategies of SMEs. However, experienced managers do not focus significantly on sustainable development strategies. Resource management partially mediates the nexus between financial literacy and sustainable development strategy, as well as between digital literacy and sustainable development strategy. In contrast, resource management does not mediate the nexus between business experience and sustainable development strategy.

Research limitations/implications

This study recommends that SMEs should prioritize managers with digital and financial literacy over those with experience. SMEs led by a management team with digital and financial literacy are more effective in resource management for sustainable development practices, whereas experienced managers may not significantly prioritize managing resources for sustainability.

Originality/value

While research based on the UE theory significantly contributes to the body of knowledge on sustainable development, the role of managerial competencies, particularly business experience, financial literacy and digital literacy, in sustainable development strategy via resource management is neglected. This research fills this gap in the context of UE theory and thereby enriches the literature.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

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