Validating a triple bottom line construct and reasons for implementing sustainable business practices in companies and their business networks

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 849-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Padin ◽  
Carlos Ferro ◽  
Beverly Wagner ◽  
Juan Carlos Sosa Valera ◽  
Nils M. Høgevold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to validate a triple bottom line (TBL) construct, as well as to describe the TBL reasons for implementing sustainable business practices in companies and their business networks. Design/methodology/approach This study reports on the validation of a TBL construct, in a Spanish context, of a study originally conducted in Norway. In this validation study, 230 companies were selected for participation. A total of 89 usable questionnaires were returned, generating a response rate of 38.5 per cent. Findings The empirical findings indicate major similarities and minor differences between organizations in Spain and Norway across two studies. By extension, the empirical findings appear to be valid and reliable across contexts and through time. Research limitations/implications This study explains the structural properties of the main reasons for business sustainability (economic, social and environmental) and business sustainability efforts in companies and the supply chains or business networks. Practical implications Business sustainability efforts need to be assessed in a systematic manner, and the validated TBL construct offers a foundation for doing this, though it needs to be complemented with other elements and details in connection with business sustainability. Originality/value Business sustainability efforts have been evolving over time and are increasingly seen to consider economic viability, as well as environmental sustainability and social responsibility. This study deals with how these elements of TBL are interrelated with respect to business sustainability.

scholarly journals A triple bottom line construct and reasons for implementing sustainable business practices in companies and their business networks

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils M. Høgevold ◽  
Göran Svensson ◽  
H.B. Klopper ◽  
Beverly Wagner ◽  
Juan Carlos Sosa Valera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
A Company

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to test a Triple Bottom Line (TBL)-construct as well as to describe the TBL-reasons for implementing sustainable business practices in companies and their business networks. This study explores how linking these seemingly disparate pillars of sustainability may be facilitated through a TBL construct. The notion of sustainable business practices has been evolving and is increasingly understood to encompass considerations of economic viability, as well as environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Design/methodology/approach – The research is quantitative in nature, exploring and analysing how companies in different Norwegian industries implement and manage sustainable business practices based on TBL. The survey results are reported here. Findings – The relevance of TBL to different aspects of sustainable business practices is outlined. The study generally supports the view that a heightened propensity for sustainable business practices ensures that organisations are better equipped for meeting the challenge of integrating TBL in companies and their business networks. Research limitations/implications – The study tested a construct of TBL in the context of sustainable business practices. It may be incorporated in further research in relation to other constructs. Suggestions for further research are proposed. Practical implications – Useful for practitioners to get insights into TBL-reasons for implementing business-sustainable practices in companies and their business networks. It may also be valuable to assess the general status of business-sustainable practices in a company and their business networks. Originality/value – Linking two traditionally separate and encapsulated areas of research, namely, the area of business sustainable practices and the area of TBL. The current study has contributed to a TBL-construct in relation to other constructs in measurement and structural models. It has also contributed to provide insights of priority into the main reasons to implement the elements of TBL within companies and their business networks.

Re-testing and validating a triple bottom line dominant logic for business sustainability

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 518-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Laurell ◽  
Niklas P.E. Karlsson ◽  
John Lindgren ◽  
Svante Andersson ◽  
Göran Svensson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Dominant Logic ◽  
Joint Consideration ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe triple bottom line (TBL) is still commonly explored in research without joint consideration of economic, social and environmental elements of business sustainability (BS). The purpose of this paper is to re-test and validate a BS framework based on the TBL approach.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a questionnaire survey consisting of the largest firms in corporate Sweden. A total of 107 usable questionnaires were ultimately received, for a response rate of 36.5 percent.FindingsThe findings validate and extend a framework of a TBL-dominant logic for BS. A total of 19 dimensions indicating satisfactory validity and reliability of the BS framework were identified.Research limitations/implicationsThe BS framework offers relevant insights to monitor and assess a TBL-dominant logic for BS. It also provides opportunities for further research.Practical implicationsManagers can use the BS framework as a tool to map firm priorities in connection with BS. Each dimension of the BS framework offers insights into how to monitor and assess firms’ efforts in the TBL.Originality/valueThis study contributes to validate and extend the TBL-dominant logic for BS. The BS framework also offers a timely and relevant contribution to both scholars and practitioners engaging in business sustainability.

Framing the development and directions of business sustainability efforts

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 709-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils M. Høgevold ◽  
Göran Svensson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
The Status ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to frame the development and directions of business sustainability efforts. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study was undertaken with respect to a convenience sample of reputable companies in Norway, which have implemented significant business sustainability efforts within their organisations, their business networks, the marketplace and in the society, beyond the level of mere compliance. Findings Different directions are associated with the development of corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability. Business sustainability efforts are not static, but dynamic and based upon continuous flexibility to changes and adaptations over time. Research Limitations/implications The current study highlights the need for further research into the development and directions of corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability in the marketplace and society. A key suggestion for further research is to further explore the existence of other directions. Practical Implications The directions reported, provide a framework to assess the development or the status of companies’ business sustainability efforts in the marketplace and society. Corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability develop over time as experiences are gained and personal impressions move the identified directions forward. Originality/value This study contributes to seven interconnected directions of corporate efforts in connection with business sustainability that are both relevant and potentially fruitful to both scholars and practitioners.

Embracing the change

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings MNEs are grappling with the growing and permanent shift toward sustainable business practices. In EDMs, MNEs face increased challenges, but are able to form markets in the image they want, influencing business practices for the long-term. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Relationships among triple bottom line elements

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sitalakshmi Venkatraman ◽  
Raveendranath Ravi Nayak
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Outcome

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain more insight of the nature and strength of relationships among the three triple bottom line (TBL) outcomes, namely corporate environmental performance outcome (CEPO), corporate social performance outcome (CSPO) and corporate financial performance outcome (CFPO) and to evolve a roadmap for integrating sustainable business practices that facilitates in managing and improving their sustainable performance. Literature reports that currently businesses try to achieve economic, social and ecological goals independently resulting in silos. The interrelationships of TBL elements have not been explored and integrated. The literature has already pointed out that to achieve corporate sustainability, managers need to integrate TBL goals in all their business decisions. However, the question remains – how to integrate these three competing goals and this paper attempts to answer this question. Design/methodology/approach – In the research design, the authors use a quantitative research methodology with data collected by means of a survey questionnaire that included both descriptive and exploratory flavour. The empirical study examines the relationships of TBL elements as perceived by 85 different Australian-based large, medium, as well as small business organisations. The data collected were analysed by performing factor analysis on 21 items resulting in three latent factors that were aligned to TBL outcomes and the correlations among them were analysed to assess their interrelationships. Findings – The results of the study report weak, positive relationships existing between the TBL. This result has useful implications well-supported by the qualitative feedback. The paper argues that Australian managers do not see any strategic advantage in pursuing “beyond compliance” sustainable business practices, as they perceive no added value to their organisations’ financial performance outcomes. Integrating economic, social and ecological performances is seen as an additional management burden. Originality/value – While most of the TBL studies conducted worldwide focus on predominantly assessing large organisations toward responsible and sustainable business practices, this paper considers large, medium as well as small businesses. Also, economic, social and environmental issues are explored by organisations individually, while this study investigates their inter-connections. Through the empirical study, this paper provides recommendations and proposes a four-step roadmap with the participation of quality circles that would facilitate the integration of the social responsibility and environment protection practices into the core business operations paving way towards achieving corporate sustainability.

How Yakult helps reduce poverty

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 17-19
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Base Of The Pyramid ◽  
Crowd Sourcing ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsBusiness has a knack of coming up with clever idioms and jargon – triple bottom line, crowd sourcing, greenewal, glocal, guerrilla marketing and so forth. Customers referred to by the label base of the pyramid (BOP) are not to be envied, for that descriptive tag tells it like it is – they're impoverished people at the bottom of the pile. So, if they are too poor to be customers why would hard‐headed businesses seek out a market there?Practical implicationsThe piece provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.

Relative importance and priority of TBL elements on the corporate performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 609-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils M. Høgevold ◽  
Göran Svensson ◽  
Rocio Rodriguez ◽  
David Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dominant Logic ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent that a selection of economic, social and environmental factors is taken into corporate consideration (importance and priority) the longitudinal aspects of sustainable business practices. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on an inductive approach taking into account the longitudinal aspects and an in-depth case study of a Scandinavian manufacturer recognized for its initiatives and achievements of sustainable business practices. Findings The key informants indicated that economic factors are always important when it comes to sustainable business practices, social factors are to some extent important, and the environmental factors are generally important. Research limitations/implications The planning, implementation and follow-up of sustainable business practices and related efforts require a consideration of economic, social and environmental factors. Practical implications The framework of a triple bottom line (TBL) dominant logic for business sustainability applied may guide the corporate assessment to plan, implement and follow-up the importance and priority of the longitudinal aspects of sustainable business practices. Originality/value A TBL dominant logic for sustainable business practices adequately frames corporate efforts regarding importance and priority making a relevant contribution addressing the longitudinal aspects to complement existing theory and previous studies.

Competencies for sustainability in hotels: insights from Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anete Alberton ◽  
Ana Paula Kieling ◽  
Franciane Reinert Lyra ◽  
Estela Maria Hoffmann ◽  
Mariana Pires Vidal Lopez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hotel Industry ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Negative Externalities ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Environmental Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hotel Managers ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study analyzes the competencies toward sustainability in hotel facilities in order to identify the level of implementation of sustainability practices, as well as individual competencies for sustainability in the hospitality companies.Design/methodology/approachInterviews and a survey with hotel employees were conducted in two important touristic Brazilian cities, Florianopolis, and Rio de Janeiro, considering the TBL (triple bottom line) dimensions. The data were analyzed with content analysis and descriptive statistics and conjoint analysis.FindingsPreventive competencies in the companies' management were identified. The research also revealed that competencies for sustainability are fairly present in the hospitality context yet, which demonstrates the urgency to discuss the theme in both academic and business practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe access to the hotel managers impaired the performing of a robust statistical analysis; the study provided new insights about the topics investigated and generated information for the theoretical framework about competencies for sustainability.Practical implicationsThe research results emphasized the need for the hotel industry to invest in sustainable strategies to meet its target audience, but also to raise the level of its staff and reduce costs in the long term, offering benefits to society, the environment, and, to their businesses.Social implicationsThe research socially contributes through promoting discussion on sustainability, which is one of the most challenging and relevant issues for society. Besides, it can assist the diffusion of the competencies for sustainability in the hotel industry, as an attempt to decrease their negative externalities on the environment and primary audiences.Originality/valueIt was identified a distance between practice and the triple bottom line concept, which is linked only to environmental practices. Besides, it was found limited knowledge about the concepts of competencies in the companies.

Validating a framework of stakeholders in connection to business sustainability efforts in supply chains

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Ferro ◽  
Carmen Padin ◽  
Göran Svensson ◽  
Juan Carlos Sosa Varela ◽  
Beverly Wagner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Focal Company

Purpose The purpose of this study is two-fold: to determine the extent to which companies’ efforts aimed at sustainable business practices consider stakeholders in their organisations and business networks, the marketplace and society; and to validate or refute a stakeholder framework of business sustainability efforts within focal companies, the marketplace, society and business networks. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a questionnaire survey targeting large companies across industries and sectors in Spain. The sample consisted of 231 companies generating a useable response rate of 38.5 per cent. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on a cross-industry sample to test a five-dimensional framework. Findings This study reports on the validation of initial and refined factor solutions. The factor analysis confirmed five stakeholder dimensions related to business sustainability efforts of organisations, their business networks, marketplace and society. The validated results indicate satisfactory convergent, discriminant and nomological validity and reliability through time and across contexts. Research limitations/implications The stakeholder framework in connection with business sustainability efforts in supply chains consisting of five factors was validated: the focal company, downstream stakeholders, societal stakeholders, market stakeholders and upstream stakeholders. Suggestion for further research is provided. Practical implications The validated framework of stakeholders allows an insight into the environment in which stakeholders operate and how they influence the focal company. Originality/value The manuscript contributes to the validation of a stakeholder framework of business sustainability efforts within focal companies, their business networks, the marketplace and society. The measurement properties provide support for acceptable validity and reliability across contexts and through time.

Using Twitter for CSR communication

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 4-6 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Business Organizations ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Modern society demands that business organizations adopt high behavioral standards. The potential consequences for failing to meet these expectations can be severe. Trust, credibility and reputation are all likely to take a sizeable hit. And when this happens, the bottom line suffers accordingly. It’s stating the obvious to point out the need to allocate corporate social responsibility (CSR) a prominent place on the agenda. Not only that, but firms should also make sure that the public is well-informed about their activities in this area. Effectively communicating that such as human rights, the environment, society and ethics shape business practices can positively impact on how different stakeholders respond. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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