Investigation of the challenges of implementing social sustainability initiatives: a case study of the apparel industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suraiyah Akbar ◽  
Kamrul Ahsan
Keyword(s):  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Apparel Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Regulation ◽  
Institutional Issues ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives

Purpose Introducing social sustainability initiatives in the apparel industry is a complex and challenging process. This study aims to investigate the challenges facing Bangladesh apparel supplier organisations in implementing factory safety initiatives. Design/methodology/approach This study identifies challenges of implementing social sustainability initiatives of the apparel industry based on a literature review and case-study interviews with senior-level management of apparel supplier organisations. Findings The analysis shows significant challenges facing apparel supplier organisations in implementing social sustainability initiatives relate to resource and institutional issues. These challenges are resource management and strategy, cost and financial concerns, as well as cultural, regulation and monitoring issues. Practical implications The identified challenges may be useful for policymakers and managers of apparel buyer and supplier organisations to recognise critical issues involved in social initiative implementation and to help improve social sustainability practices of the apparel industry. Social implications By addressing the identified issues, stakeholders in the apparel industry can work to ensure improved social sustainability practices in apparel manufacturing factories. Originality/value The study contributes to the research on social sustainability practices of the apparel industry by identifying and addressing challenges faced by apparel supplier organisations in implementing social sustainability initiatives in apparel manufacturing factories.

Third-party logistics providers (TPLs) and environmental sustainability practices in developing countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 1451-1474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamal El Baz ◽  
Issam Laguir
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Green Practices ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the environmental sustainability practices of third-party logistics providers (TPLs) in a developing country and analyze the efforts made by TPLs to implement green practices through a case study of Moroccan TPLs. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative case study of Moroccan TPLs was conducted using an interview guide. Findings The findings indicate that the internal and external drivers motivate TPLs to implement green practices while internal and external obstacles hinder them. The authors identified two groups of TPLs, each with a specific environmental sustainability approach. The results indicate also that environmental sustainability is at an early stage of development in Moroccan TPLs. Based on these findings, the authors were able to develop several propositions for further research. It is suggested that TPLs market coverage can influence positively their green initiative; the lack of collaboration and partners involvement hinders TPLs environmental initiatives; and the lack of clear environmental strategy limits TPLs environmental sustainability initiatives. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations that provide future research opportunities. Because this study is qualitative, further statistical support is needed to justify wider generalization of its findings. The possibility of generalizing the present findings to countries beyond Morocco is limited by the fact that data were collected exclusively there. Studies might therefore do well to investigate TPLs in developing countries other than Morocco to increase the external validity of the results. Also, the research could be expanded by taking into account how shippers or client companies collaborate with TPLs to improve sustainability initiatives. Practical implications The results can be used to inform companies about environmental sustainability initiatives that have been implemented or to identify practices that can be adopted. Originality/value The relevant literature has centered on advanced countries, and few studies have been conducted in the logistics market. Research on the sustainable initiatives of TPLs in developing countries in general and African countries in particular is sparse. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the sustainable practices of TPLs in Morocco.

Cross-sector collaboration and nonprofit boundary work for female workers in developing countries: evidence from Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Fontana ◽  
Mark Heuer ◽  
Lisa Koep
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Boundary Work ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Female Workers ◽  
Formation Stage ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
Implementation Stage

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to shed new light on the way the cross-sector collaboration (CSC) process can foster gender-focused sustainability initiatives to improve female workers’ conditions in developing countries. The study does so by introducing and examining the influence of nonprofit boundary work during the CSC process. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on thirty-four interviews and qualitative fieldwork. It draws on a case analysis of a regional CSC between multiple organizations operating locally in the apparel industry of Bangladesh, a developing country. Findings Scaffolding work in the CSC formation stage – performed by development agency implementers who construe boundaries – and sensitization work in the CSC implementation stage – performed by a non-governmental organization (NGO) implementers who blur and expand boundaries – emerge as two conceptual categories of nonprofit boundary work. This allows NGO implementers to identify and enable the agency of sustainability envoys or socially privileged individuals who capitalize on their social credentials to support female workers in the factory and in the community. Originality/value The study offers novel insights into the CSC process. It contributes to the CSC literature and the literature on boundary work, with a focus on gender-focused sustainability initiatives for female workers in developing countries.

scholarly journals Managerial Reporting Tools for Social Sustainability: Insights from a Local Government Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Cardillo ◽  
Maria Cristina Longo
Keyword(s):  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Social Reporting ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Territorial Development ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Government Experience ◽  
Policies And Programs

The paper is a country-specific study that explores the potential points of connection between the sustainable territorial development goals and managerial tools in the context of local authorities. In particular, the purpose of this research is to propose a set of features and criteria to evaluate the contribution of accounting documents to the pursuit, development and strengthening of social sustainability. As part of traditional accounting systems, social reporting is essential to support policy makers’ decisions in promoting social sustainability and in evaluating the effects of their choices within the institution and externally towards citizens and various stakeholders. To this end, we present a leading case study of a medium-sized Italian local authority’s accounting system in which the contributions and limits of managerial tools to social reporting are analyzed. The case study allows us to have a deeper understanding of social reporting and to get insights about issues that matter to social sustainability assessment in public administration. Since the reporting tools comply with international accounting standards, the case study offers interesting food for thought in the international debate on the assessment of sustainability in public organizations. The results identify the areas of complementarity and critical issues between social reporting and traditional accounting systems. Therefore, they enhance our knowledge about the role of public accounting system in supporting sustainable territorial development policies and programs through managerial tools’ adoption.

Agility and lean practices as antecedents of supply chain social sustainability

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1589-1611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishnu Nath ◽  
Rajat Agrawal
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Lean Practices ◽  
Sustainability Practices

PurposeThe present study aims to empirically investigate whether supply chain agility and lean management practices are antecedents of supply chain social sustainability.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 311 supply chain practitioners from the Indian manufacturing sector. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to test the validity and reliability of the measures used, and a structural model was analyzed to test the hypotheses of the current study.FindingsThe results indicate that agility and lean practices are significant antecedents of social sustainability orientation as well as social sustainability performance. The results also suggest that agility has a significant indirect effect on operational performance via social sustainability orientation, basic social sustainability practices as well as agility is indirectly affecting social sustainability performance via social sustainability orientation and basic social sustainability practices.Practical implicationsThe results of the present study have implications for managers that want to make their supply chain more socially sustainable.Originality/valueThe study is unique in the sense that it empirically links agility and lean practices with social sustainability orientation, social substantiality performance and operational performance in supply chains.

Ecological footprint: a tool for environmental management in educational institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 675-690
Author(s):  
Katherine Ortegon ◽  
Pilar Acosta
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Footprint ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Practical Calculation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Standard Tool ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, as few universities have assessed their ecological footprint (EF), a benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. Second, a practical calculation tool for measuring the EF in educational institutions (EIs) is developed. The purpose of this tool is to facilitate the process of assessing the EF in EIs that are starting sustainability initiatives and to unify criteria with those already involved. Design/methodology/approach The development of the Ecological Footprint for Educational Institutions (EFEI) calculator is detailed showing the seven categories analyzed and the adaptation to the Colombian context. Findings Results are presented from a case study of EFEI implementation at Universidad Icesi. Furthermore, the relation between these results and the action taken to mitigate EF at the university is detailed. Practical implications Colombian EIs have recently joined the sustainable campus movement. The EF methodology and this tool serve to assess impacts and identify what EIs can do to ameliorate their environmental stewardship. Social implications EIs are called on to lead by example in terms of sustainability, not only in teaching and researching cutting-edge technologies but also in being sustainable and transferring this knowledge to future generations. Originality/value First, an EF benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. In addition, a unified methodology for EIs is developed. The availability of a standard tool will encourage other EIs to move forward in the effort to achieve a sustainable campus.

A design studio experience: impacts of social sustainability

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 368-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salih Ceylan ◽  
Murat Deniz Soygeniş
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Architectural Education ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Design Studio ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Holistic Understanding

Purpose Sustainability, especially in terms of development and growth, has been in the agenda of the world community for several decades. However, apparently not all the aspects of sustainability are given equal importance. Ecologic and economic components of sustainability have been in the focal point of many theoretical and practical works, as the social aspect has been mostly left out of emphasis. The purpose of this paper is to examine the social aspects of sustainability and its relation to architecture, with respect to the strong connection between the society and the built environment. Design/methodology/approach The core of the paper consists of a case study conducted at a design studio course for third-year architecture students whereas the outcomes of the student works on the design problem are evaluated as examples for design approaches to reflect the effects of the built environment on social sustainability. The case study is supported with a literature review and examination of existing approaches to similar subjects regarding social sustainability. Findings The findings resulted in a better understanding of social sustainability in architectural education which is reflected on the built environment through several architectural strategies. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by providing a holistic understanding of sustainability including its social aspects and creating an awareness for the importance of social sustainability in architectural education.

National cultural values, sustainability beliefs, and organizational initiatives

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmine Tata ◽  
Sameer Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
National Culture ◽  
Organizational Capacity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Organizational Sustainability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – Organizations are implementing sustainability initiatives in different countries with varied socio-cultural systems. The literature on sustainability, however, does not present a clear picture of how national culture can influence interpretations of the meaning of sustainability and how these differences in interpretation can result in different sustainability practices. The purpose of this paper is to build upon the current literature by identifying mechanisms (i.e. sustainability beliefs and perceptions) that mediate the relationship between national cultural values and organizational sustainability initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – The authors examine the literature on culture and sustainability practices, and develop a conceptual model that identifies how cultural values influence the sustainability initiatives of organizations. Several propositions are identified that specify relationships among the constructs, and guidelines are provided for testing the model in future research. Findings – The model posits that national culture influences sustainability beliefs and perceptions, which in turn influence the quantity and scope of sustainability initiatives. The relationship between sustainability beliefs and organizational sustainability initiatives is moderated by sustainability orientation and organizational capacity. Originality/value – The model can help researchers and practitioners better understand the meaning of sustainability in the context of international business by identifying the mechanisms that explain the link between culture and sustainability. It can also help researchers generate hypotheses for future research. Finally, the model can guide multinational corporations attempting to drive sustainability programs through their subsidiaries as well as international developmental agencies trying to develop programs in partnership with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Social sustainability and urban mobility: shifting to a socially responsible pro-poor perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Grieco
Keyword(s):  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Urban Transport ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Urban Mobility ◽  
End User ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
The Social ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Sustainable Urban Mobility

Purpose – This paper aims to describe global trends and policy responses with respect to the social sustainability of urban mobility which, put simply, refers to whether the benefits and costs of transport and travel services (mobility) and the spatial organisation of facilities and services (accessibility) are equally and equitably distributed in a society or community. Considering urban transport provision from a social sustainability framework raises critical issues of policy goals and purpose, not least of which is the consideration that policies aimed at stemming or reducing urban mobility should not accentuate existing inequities and inequalities in accessibility. It also raises issues of reshaping urban decision-making structures to better integrate the end-user, where the end-user includes both those who are presently included in mobility and accessibility provision and, most importantly, those who are presently and have been previously excluded. Design/methodology/approach – Comprehensive research into the global policy literature and urban practice around socially sustainable urban mobility under the auspices of an international agency. Findings – The databases and methodologies around social sustainability have not been sufficiently developed to permit ready operationalisation. The use of electronic technology and user feedback – which such technology makes possible – has not been adequately harnessed to develop the necessary methodologies for the measurement of social sustainability with respect to urban mobility. Research limitations/implications – The development of improved social sustainability methodologies will increase the probability of the building of pro-poor infrastructure. Practical implications – The development of improved social sustainability methodologies will proved improved frameworks for evaluating the social responsibility of transport options. Social implications – The development of participatory methodologies and evaluatory frameworks will lead towards more cohesive and better integrated cities, that is more socially sustainable cities. Originality/value – This paper makes the case that the participatory research necessary to the evaluation of transport projects, schemes and networks as socially sustainable has not yet been undertaken. It brings together a set of global evidence to make the case that current discussions of the social sustainability currently take place in an evidence and policy vacuum.

Shaping our perception of reality: sustainability communication by Canadian festivals

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-492
Author(s):  
Rachel Dodds ◽  
Michelle Novotny ◽  
Sylvie Harper
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Sustainable Transportation ◽  
Cultivation Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the extent of online communication by festivals regarding their sustainability practices using Cultivation Theory as the framework to determine perceived value creation.Design/methodology/approachA mixed method approach was utilized to achieve data triangulation through a content analysis of websites, content analysis of social media sites as well as interviews.FindingsFindings indicated that 64% of festivals did not communicate any sustainable practices through their websites and only 6% communicated via social media. The most common sustainability practices communicated were waste management and sustainable transportation, yet few festivals engaged in effective, consistent and sufficient marketing of initiatives to festivalgoers. Best practice festivals (having communicated 5.47 initiatives or more) were found to have been significantly more likely than non-best practice festivals to be music festivals and have been in operation longer. Best practice festivals were also more likely than non-best practice festivals to have sustainability engrained into their corporate philosophy via a communicated sustainable vision and mission. Interviews revealed that most festivals did not have a designated role responsible for all sustainable initiatives and the responsibility was often taken on by volunteers or festival organizers. Festival organizers that communicated sustainability initiatives efficiently, consistently, and sufficiently perceived these efforts to benefit the festivals value amongst festivalgoers and host communities. Propensity to communicate sustainability initiatives was found to have been impacted by awareness, categorization, timing, policy and funding.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the findings are limited to the country of Canada and the extent of communication on websites and social media platforms as well as those festivals who participated, interviews helped to overcome these limitations as they gained an understanding of what was undertaken but not necessarily communicated.Practical implicationsThe findings generated from this study could be used as a guide for establishing a benchmark for festivals regarding sustainable communication as well as strategies for overall corporate responsibility. Content regarding sustainability at festivals is scarce, as is information on festival communication. As a result, this paper seeks to understand the sustainable initiatives that are being communicated by festivals.Originality/valueThis is the first time Cultivation Theory was used within a tourism context and may be a useful tool to determine value creation. Through Cultivation Theory, festival organizers believed to have the ability to impact perceived value of the festival by implementing efficient, consistent and sufficient communication of sustainability initiatives.

Human resource development 4.0 (HRD 4.0) in the apparel industry of Bangladesh: a theoretical framework and future research directions

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shafiqul Alam ◽  
Pavitra Dhamija
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Institutional Pressures ◽  
Apparel Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Workforce Skills

PurposeThe transition from Industry 3.0 to the fourth industrial revolution was a big jump that created a vacuum in many developing countries. Drawing upon institutional theory and resource-based view theory, the current study proposes a theoretical model linking the institutional pressures and resources (workforce skills) in context to the apparel industry of Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative approach involving 20 semi-structured interviews, followed by thematic analysis using NVivo 12 software. The researchers impose both deductive and inductive thematic analysis to generate themes. The data analysis involves various stages applying the phenomenological approaches.FindingsInstitutional pressures (coercive) positively influences the workforce skills (technical and managerial) in the fourth industrial revolution in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry; institutional pressures (normative) is positively related to the workforce skills (technical and managerial) in 4IR in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry; institutional pressures (mimetic) has shown a positive association with the workforce skills (technical and managerial) in 4IR in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry; workforce skills (technical and managerial) are positively influencing the development of human resource capabilities in fourth industrial revolution in Bangladesh apparel manufacturing industry.Originality/valueThis paper is the first of its kind to offer a thematic analysis on human resource development 4.0 in the apparel industry of Bangladesh. The study provides an understanding of the role of institutional pressure on workforce skill development and the adoption of 4IR technology.

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