This paper will explain how complex sustainability is, define its three dimensions and describe the interconnection between the sustainable dimensions, outline the importance of sustainable development, explain corporate social responsibility and show how international companies successfully adjusting their business operations with sustainability.
Incorporating sustainability in companies’ business strategies is more important than ever. To meet the needs of the ever-growing population, business need to evaluate global sustainability. Globalization, the resources bottleneck and climate change have led to the dramatic increase of the necessity of providing for future generations. To generate a future for subsequent generations, society must start acting in a more sustainable manner and find solutions against increased deforestation, pollution and greenhouse gas production. This “sustainable way” could involve a few different directions and approaches. Before the public became aware of the potential, a wide ecological movement had evoked environmental, economic and social problems concerns.
It is now more crucial than ever for companies to be environmentally friendly and take more sustainable actions to provide for future lives. Sustainability has originally emerged from forestry and requires that the amount of wood taken from a forest must not exceed the amount it can regrow. The guiding principle of dealing responsibly with dwindling resources in the long-term while generating economic growth need to be in harmony. Companies need to address economic, social and environmental sustainability in their business strategy as the key factor of a business’ future and see sustainable activities as a source for competitive success rather than a cost or constrain. It is important for international enterprises and managers to evaluate global sustainability to ensure future success in increased revenues and higher brand awareness as well as achieving competitive advantage.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Sustainability
- 2.1 Environmental Sustainability
- 2.2 Economic Sustainability
- 2.3 Social Sustainability
- 3 Company aspect
- 3.1 Corporate Social Responsibility
- 3.2 IKEA
- 3.3 Tchibo
- 4 Evaluation
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This bachelor thesis aims to explore the importance of incorporating sustainability into corporate business strategies, focusing on its three dimensions – environmental, economic, and social – and their interconnectedness. The thesis examines how international companies are successfully integrating sustainability into their operations to achieve competitive advantage.
- The significance of sustainability in addressing global challenges.
- The three dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social).
- The role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in sustainable business practices.
- Case studies of IKEA and Tchibo demonstrating successful sustainability integration.
- The long-term benefits of sustainable business operations.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the growing importance of corporate sustainability in response to global challenges like population growth, resource scarcity, and climate change. It highlights the need for businesses to adopt sustainable practices to ensure the well-being of future generations. The chapter establishes the concept of sustainability, drawing from the Brundtland Commission's definition, emphasizing its multifaceted nature encompassing environmental, economic, and social aspects. It also previews the thesis's focus on analyzing how international companies are integrating sustainability into their strategies for long-term success.
2 Sustainability: This chapter delves into the multifaceted concept of sustainability, acknowledging its complexity and the lack of a single, universally accepted definition. It traces the historical evolution of the concept, beginning with its origins in forestry and its subsequent expansion to encompass broader social and stakeholder considerations. The chapter discusses the challenges posed by dwindling resources and a growing global population, underscoring the urgent need for companies to operate sustainably. It emphasizes that while short-term financial gains might not always be immediate, sustainable practices offer long-term benefits through customer appreciation and access to innovative, sustainable technologies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainable Development, IKEA, Tchibo, Global Sustainability, Competitive Advantage, Resource Management.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bachelor Thesis on Corporate Sustainability
What is the topic of this bachelor thesis?
This bachelor thesis explores the importance of integrating sustainability into corporate business strategies. It focuses on the three dimensions of sustainability – environmental, economic, and social – and their interconnectedness, examining how international companies successfully integrate sustainability to gain a competitive advantage.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the significance of sustainability in addressing global challenges; the three dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social); the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR); case studies of IKEA and Tchibo demonstrating successful sustainability integration; and the long-term benefits of sustainable business operations.
What is covered in the introduction chapter?
The introduction establishes the growing importance of corporate sustainability in response to global challenges (population growth, resource scarcity, climate change). It highlights the need for sustainable practices and defines sustainability, emphasizing its multifaceted nature (environmental, economic, and social aspects). It also previews the thesis's focus on analyzing how international companies integrate sustainability into their strategies.
What does the chapter on "Sustainability" discuss?
This chapter delves into the multifaceted and complex concept of sustainability, tracing its historical evolution and highlighting the challenges posed by dwindling resources and a growing global population. It emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable company operations and the long-term benefits of sustainable practices, even if short-term financial gains aren't always immediate.
Which companies are used as case studies?
The thesis uses IKEA and Tchibo as case studies to demonstrate successful sustainability integration within their operations.
What are the key words associated with this thesis?
Key words include Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainable Development, IKEA, Tchibo, Global Sustainability, Competitive Advantage, and Resource Management.
What is the overall structure of the thesis?
The thesis includes an introduction, a chapter on sustainability (divided into environmental, economic, and social aspects), a chapter on the company aspect (including CSR and case studies of IKEA and Tchibo), and a concluding evaluation chapter. A table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords are provided.
What is the purpose of the case studies on IKEA and Tchibo?
The case studies of IKEA and Tchibo serve to illustrate practical examples of how companies are successfully integrating sustainability into their business strategies and operations, providing concrete examples of successful implementation.
What is the overall conclusion or takeaway message of the thesis?
While not explicitly stated in the provided summary, the overall message is likely to emphasize the crucial importance of integrating sustainability across its three dimensions (environmental, economic, and social) into corporate strategies for long-term success and competitive advantage, highlighting the benefits for both businesses and society.
- Citation du texte
- Paulina Ruoff (Auteur), 2018, Corporate Sustainability at Ikea and Tchibo. The Interconnection between the Sustainable Dimensions and the Importance of Sustainable Development, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1269898
