Introduction

Abstract

The word sustainability is on everybody's lips – in business, in government and in society. There are of course many aspects of sustainability which might be considered to reflect Brundtland's three pillars of economic, environmental and social sustainability. Others of course have different definitions which include such things as governance or supply chain management. Nevertheless business has recognised the significance of the concept and is responding by developing strategies to cope, although some would say that this is little more than window dressing. The debate continues however as to just what is meant by the term sustainability as far as business is concerned and how can this be achieved. This book is designed to address this debate and set it within the context of the global business and societal environment. Equally we have seen that stakeholders are increasingly exercising their power not just in their own interests but also in the interests of long term sustainability. So it is necessary to develop some methods of analysing and measuring sustainable CSR activity in such a way that it is universally understood, and can be evaluated by interested parties. It will therefore become of assistance to societal decision making.

Citation

Aras, G. and Crowther, D. (2012), "Introduction", Aras, G. and Crowther, D. (Ed.) Business Strategy and Sustainability (Developments in Corporate Governance and Responsibility, Vol. 3), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. ix-xii. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2043-0523(2012)0000003003