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Sustainability as a goal of business ethics
Sustainability as a goal of business ethics
Kaufmann, M
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In todays increasingly sustainably minded and ethically concerned society, particularly in western industrialised nations, it is crucial for businesses to be sustainable. This development in societies perspective, has resulted in the progression of sustainability now not only encompassing protecting the social and environmental resources relied upon by businesses but also being able to efficiently manage and the economic bottom line. Majority of businesses have taken this committed to adapting to this change through sustainable practices. In fact, 50% of the experienced and knowledgeable business owners surveyed in a study confirmed that their company had a compelling business case for sustainability. (Berns et al. 2009). The emergence of the …show more content…
It is paramount that social and environmental sustainability are achieved as without it not only will businesses develop a poor brand image and reputation with consumers but their profits and bottom line will too suffer. The successful and proficient implementation of the triple bottom line or some other method to manage sustainability is crucial in ensuring complete business success. Being environmentally and socially sustainable can lead to many benefits such as greater profits, positive reputation and brand image, a competitive advantage, increased efficiency and economic sustainability.’ increased awareness of sustainability in various industries and businesses has helped expand the notion of business excellence and has drawn attention to the need to use resources in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.’ (Asif and Searcy 2011). However, it is important to note that it has been argued by some that societies sudden fixation with sustainability has resulted in many serious ethical and practical concerns and issues go unnoticed. (DesJardins 2016). Regardless of how a business goes about achieving sustainability it is crucial that they are simply as sustainable as possible. Since the culmination of their people, profit and planet triple bottom line approach in 2010, Adidas has seen continued success through operations. All this success can be traced back to the importance of sustainability and having a suitable approach to sustainability. Sustainability embodies not only protecting the social and environmental resources on which your business relies but also managing the economic bottom line, thus it is crucial for any business to be sustainable as it guarantees
With forward movement in society, it is important to consider not just what will propel most toward success, but also what will help to sustain the environment along the way. What may have been considered appropriate decades ago, may no longer be socially acceptable due to the changes observed in both the business world and the environment (Fiske, 2010). Therefore, it is important for organizations thriving in today?s economy to consider how they may capitalize most effectively from their product or service of choice while minimizing or eliminating any damages along the way (Knoke, 2012).
21). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) directly corresponds to one’s organizational culture and the voluntary implementation of these beliefs, expectations and values. It goes hand in hand with their organizational reputability, especially if society benefits from them operating in an economic, social and environmentally sustainable manner (Global Affairs Canada, 2016). Two companies that demonstrate this initiative mindset are Tentree and Nike, yet they execute in completely different manners. On the organizational spectrum Tentree falls under the Social Venture category, meaning they are for-profit but also on focus on issues regarding social equity and environmental sustainability. Their social responsibility initiative is to plant ten trees for every item purchased by individuals on their website, or from retail vendors (Tentree, n.d., para. 1). Nike is categorized under being a Social Purpose Business because it achieves its desired social impact as well as continuous profit (Jones, George, & Haddad, 2016, p. 4). Nike’s social responsibility initiative is to transform production development and manufacturing to overall minimize the company 's environmental footprint (Nike,
This paper critically analyzes Nike company sustainability strategy. Every investor or a group of investors wishes to see the business profitable at the current time as well as having good prospects for future (Werbach, 2009). For this reason, business sustainability strategy is very important. A strategy is a plan that guides the company or a business firm towards a certain direction or set goals. Thus, sustainability strategy is an action plan that a company set in order to maintain the plan toward the achievement of company’s goals in future. Sustainability strategy puts into consideration aspects such as the source of raw materials, competition, human resource development, and sustainability, and the general business environment. Thus, in evaluating a business’ sustainability, it is important to consider the business planning in this direction (Heslin and Ochoa 2008)
An increasing large number of firms are developing mission statements that also attempt to define the social and ethical boundaries of their strategic domain. Some firms are actively pursuing social programs they believe to be intertwined with their economic objectives, while others simply seek to manage their businesses according to the principles of sustainability – meeting humanity’s needs without harming future generations. For example, Unilever has launched a variety of programs to help developing nations wrestle with poverty, water scarcity, and the effects of climate change. The firm’s motives are at least as much economic as moral. As environmental regulations grow stricter around the world, the firm must invest in green technologies or its leadership
Improving sustainability within the firms upgrades talented workers to be more proficient and profitable as a factor of their commitment to the organization. It is comprehended that organizations pay special mind to reasonable procedures as there can be an orderly way to deal with spotlight on business targets like decreasing expense of job,, expanding income, overall industry and benefit et cetera (Bob Willard 2012). Thus, firms can hope to produce better profits for their speculations for their partners and shareholders and enhance the organization’s advancement sustainability is
With the company facing themselves in the context of globalization, they are increasingly aware that corporate social responsibility can be of direct economic value. Although the company 's primary goal is to create profit, companies can at the same time contribute to social and environmental objectives into their business strategy of corporate social responsibility as a strategic investment.
The importance of ethics and values in business sustainability is undeniable. Ethics has been defined as, “Moral principles that govern or influence a person’s behaviour”- Hornby. Ethics is different from business ethics however, business ethics is defined as “Written or unwritten codes of principles or values that govern decisions and actions within an organisation”. Therefore we can see that the ethics, moral standards and behaviour of the consumers, employees, entrepreneurs or management teams does not concern business ethics.
Stuart Hart, in a business article, discusses the tough task for companies to make a sustainable global ec...
In conclusion, I have to say that there is a solid invisible relationship between impacts of businesses on environments, profitability of sustainable business, and responsibility of business. When one of these ones changes, it will effect to others. When a business adapts efficient and sustainable system, it will reduce negative externalities and increase positive externalities to environment. Once the business adapted efficient business model, it will reduce cost and maximize its profits. Obviously, the sustainable and efficient business model will make the business social more responsible to environments.
Sustainable operation management is a management approach that involves planning, implementation and control of business operations that translate available resources into the required product or service. It is the management of business practices, traditions and operations to promote the highest level of efficiency, smooth workflow, and increased productivity in an organization. This management strategy ensures that the available labour force and materials are changed into products or services in a cost effective way to increase the company’s returns (Corbett, 2009). It also involves production waste management, food waste reduction, creating new opportunities, environment protection, and improving customer health. Sustainable operation management in the retail industry around the world has gained momentum in the recent years, in the face of customer pressure and media interest. It is particularly linked to the concepts of corporate social responsibility and global warming (Morrison, 2013).
Without doubt the XXI century has changed our priorities, especially when it comes to the way we do business. Popular sustainable business models, as advertised in the media, have evolved into much more than a moral obligation or an external requirement to generate money. Essentially, are forcing companies to reinvent the systems and approaches with which they generate value and profitability to the company.
I shall answer this question by discussing what ethics and values are and how they can influence business sustainability. I will also discuss why ethics and values are important and necessary in a business, and the possible repercussions that could occur without ethics and values in a business.
Environmental analysis is a strategic tool. It is a process to identify all the external and internal elements, which can affect the organization’s performance. The analysis entails assessing the level of threat or opportunity the factors might present. These evaluations are later translated into the decision-making process. The analysis helps align strategies with the firm’s environment. The importance of Environmental Analysis lies in its usefulness for evaluating the present strategy, setting strategic objectives and formulating strategies.
The sustainability of the ecosystems on which the global economy depends must be guaranteed. And the economic partners must be satisfied that the basis of exchange is equitable” (World). This quote demonstrates the complexities of sustainability. Another thing corporations should focus on when trying to be sustainable is their environmental impact.
Sustainable development means that the present generations should be able to make use of resources to live better lives in such a manner that it doesn’t compromise the ability of future generations to survive and make better lives for themselves as well. For sustainable development to occur, there needs to be sustainable economic, ecological and community development. Society needs to be educated about ways in which they can use resources, especially natural, in such a manner that it doesn’t cause harm to the environment and put future generations lives at risk.