A “fivefold bottom line” approach of implementing and reporting corporate efforts in sustainable business practices

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria A.O. Dos Santos ◽  
Göran Svensson ◽  
Carmen Padin
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Press Releases ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Retail Chain ◽  
Western Perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a “fivefold bottom line” approach in implementing and reporting corporate efforts of sustainable business practices. Design/methodology/approach – This viewpoint from industry is based on the content analysis of the South African retail chain Woolworths. The data are gathered and derived from the company's comprehensive annual and sustainability reports from 2008 to 2011 and the company's press releases for this period focusing on their efforts of implementing and reporting sustainable business practices. Findings – A lesson learned from the presented “fivefold bottom line” approach to implement and report their corporate efforts of sustainable business practices is that it is adapted to fit and make sense in a specific market and society. The triple bottom line approach is usually derived from, or commonly based upon, a western perspective on the market and society in literature. Research limitations/implications – The authors argues that insights from industry of implementing and reporting sustainable business practices based upon different corporate “bottom line” approaches are required in literature. Practical implications – The authors propose that the “triple bottom line” approach may need to be commonly adapted to the country and cultural context in focus, which is not normally done, but templates are used. Originality/value – Triple bottom line reporting tends to follow common approaches how it is done. There is rarely seen adapted or modified “bottom line” approaches to specific market and societal characteristics in literature.

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.

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.

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.

Implementation, monitoring and evaluation of sustainable business practices: framework and empirical illustration

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 515-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria A.O. Dos Santos ◽  
Göran Svensson ◽  
Carmen Padin
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
South African ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Retail Chain ◽  
Strategic Approach

Purpose – This study aims to illustrate what and how a South African retail chain implements, monitors and evaluates its sustainable business practices using economic, ecological and social areas of indices. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on the content analysis of public documents, such as sustainability and annual reports, of a retail chain. An assessment of sustainability and annual reports for 2008-2011 has been considered to examine how and what this retail chain implements, monitors and evaluates in its sustainable business practices. Findings – Woolworths has a sustainability programme in place that assures that the efforts of sustainable business practices are implemented, monitored and evaluated properly and that their targets for each area of indices are accomplished. Research limitations/implications – The content analysis shows that the areas of indices are important in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Woolworths’ spectrum of efforts in sustainability business practices. Practical implications – The study demonstrates practically how Woolworths South Africa implements, monitors and evaluates its sustainable business practices using various areas of indices which fall under the three pillars of sustainability, namely, economic, environmental and social. Originality/value – This research provides insight on what and how a retail chain in South Africa implements, monitors and evaluates its sustainable business practices over time. It also offers an insight into the strategic approach beyond the company’s judicial frontiers and into the supply chain. Furthermore, it shows how a company’s business network can be committed to change towards sustainable business practices.

An empirical analysis of SMES’ triple bottom line practices

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jude Edeigba ◽  
Chris Arasanmi
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
Operational Policies ◽  
Sustainability Practices

Purpose This study aims to examine the determinants of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sustainability practices in New Zealand from the triple bottom line (3BL) perspective. Unlike large companies and government agencies whose sustainability practices are driven by regulations and attempts to legitimise business operations, little is known about the drivers of SMEs’ sustainability practices. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey approach was adopted for the data collection. The analysis was mainly descriptive, while the covariates’ effects were measured based on partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings This paper identified that SMEs’ 3BL practices are significantly influenced by local bylaws, voluntary adoption of 3BL operational policies and company size. This paper finds that the SMEs’ industry type is not statistically significant as a determinant of their 3BL practices. This implies that regulation and operational policies increase sustainability practices in the SME sector. Practical implications These findings provide insights to SMEs’ managers on the importance of sustainability policies adoption and bylaws. Government departments and local government councils could adopt the findings in developing regulatory policies that support SMEs’ 3BL. Social implications This study provides support for economically, environmentally and socially sustainable business practices amongst SMEs. Originality/value A dearth of studies on SMEs sustainability practices exists in the extant literature, particularly in New Zealand. The study focusses on SMEs sustainability in the viewpoint of 3BL practices based on an empirical analysis.

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.

The Impact of Climate Change on Global Entrepreneurial Activities

2021 ◽  
pp. 446-462
Author(s):  
Mkhothi Tshabalala ◽  
Andrisha Beharry Ramraj ◽  
Jayrusha Ramasamy-Gurayah
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
The World ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities ◽  
The Impact

In this era of climate change, there has been urgent calls for entrepreneurs to adopt sustainable business practices. Entrepreneurs need to seek to increase their production efficiency. Entrepreneurs have looked at sustainability as a solution to improve value for society, the environment, and financial gains for their businesses. Businesses around the globe are embracing entrepreneurial business sustainability with the aim of increasing their triple bottom line. Climate change has challenged not only governments across the world but also businesses. Businesses around the globe are embracing entrepreneurial business sustainability with the aim of increasing their triple bottom line. Climate change has challenged not only governments across the world but also businesses, and as a result, efforts have been made by various stakeholders such as the United Nations to assist countries in mitigating the consequences of climate change on economic, social, and ecological dimensions.

scholarly journals Eventful futures and triple bottom line impacts: BRICS, image regeneration and competitiveness

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Wise
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Policy ◽  
Big Picture ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Policy And Planning ◽  
Sustainable Futures

Purpose There are many ways of viewing, interpreting and even conceptualizing Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) growth. This paper considers image regeneration and how this helps enhance place competitiveness. A focus on events and the spectacle they create also challenges to think about sustainable futures. This paper aims to supplement this focus on image regeneration and competitiveness, it is important to discuss and outline triple bottom line impacts as a framework to consider going forward. Design/methodology/approach Looking at the BRICS, the growing events, tourism and leisure industries transcend private and public business practices and can help align with more contemporary sustainable development practices and regeneration agendas. Such agendas can, in turn, help enhance destination competitiveness and image. While the authors need (and should) continue to assess and address economic impacts and development, it is just as important to consider environmental impacts and social impacts on a destination and its residents when considering competitiveness. Findings This conceptual paper frames insight from the literature to reflect on and consider research directions linked to triple bottom line impacts. The paper puts emphasis on the need to consider the social and environmental impacts of events. Originality/value This paper links conceptual discussions of image regeneration and competitiveness with triple bottom line impacts to look at directions for BRICS nations. It is useful for policymakers and planners who look at the “big picture” of event hosting and argues the need for more sustainable policy and planning agendas.

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