Triple Bottom Line Dimensions Research Articles

The effects of the adoption of forest cropping technologies on sustainability dimensions: a multi-stakeholder perspective

New technologies are an important instrument to face the global challenges and reach sustainability. Their adoption triggers different perspectives, interests and discourses of different stakeholders’ groups involved in this phenomenon. Therefore, analyzing the different perspectives of diverse stakeholders’ groups through their respective discourses is a fundamental instrument to assess the potential barriers and the viability of its adoption. This article analyzes how different stakeholders perceive the impacts on sustainability regarding the andadoption of new harvesting technologies in the forest industry in Brazil, through the dimensions of triple bottom line. The combination of qualitative and quantitative approach is used to analyze a set of stakeholders’ documents that reflect their perception and positions on the adoption of these technologies. As a result, the different stakeholders’ perspectives are mapped in a two-dimensional framework, based on the discursive focus (narrow versus broad), and the discourse valence (negative, neutral or positive). As contribution, this article shows the possibility to map the different stakeholders’ perspectives about a same phenomenon, which is a useful tool for perceive the possibilities of action of stakeholders through the intentions expressed in their discourse.

Sustainable water resources allocation for wetlands based on triple bottom line analytical hierarchy collaborative elicitation

Hydrological restoration of wetlands has become a critical pressing issue in environmental preservation due to climate change. This study seeks to develop a novel methodology to identify which type of water resources available are the most appropriate for restoring a particular wetland, considering a holistic perspective based on the triple bottom line (TBL) assessment, which is a logical framework for identifying and integrating social, environmental, and economic factors into decision-making processes. The elicitation was addressed through a comprehensive holistic index using analytic hierarchy process for ranking TBL dimensions and drivers. This new hybrid technique was applied for elaborating sustainable rules of water allocation to restore the wetlands of the Tablas de Daimiel National Park, located in central Spain. The environmental dimension was analyzed using six drivers: the synergistic use of infrastructures, the water resources location, the wastewater reuse, the energy consumption, the landscape degradation, and the impact on water resources. The social dimension was evaluated measuring three drivers: community acceptance, political acceptance, and market acceptance. And finally, the economic dimension was assessed through the expropriation of land costs, the infrastructure costs, the maintenance costs, and opportunity costs associated. These drivers guarantee traceability and transparency in the elicitation process, becoming a novel allocation framework to support policy makers in wetland conservation. Applying the proposed methodology, Tagus-Segura interbasin water transfer is the best ranked option (83.13%), closely followed by pumping well areas (79.12 and 78.24%) and wastewater recycling plants (74.34 and 68.26%). The unique holistic index proposed is a transparent and traceable decision support tool to address water allocation in wetland restoration.

Interfacing triple bottom line sustainability and metropolitan governance: An empirical exploration of stakeholder value co-creation and conflict

The importance of metropolitan governance and stakeholder collaboration in sustainable urban development (SUD) is well recognized. However, collaboration among stakeholders is dynamic, and the relationship between metropolitan governance and stakeholder dynamics, including value co-creation and conflict, remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by examining the causal relationships among metropolitan governance, stakeholder value co-creation and conflict through the lens of the triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability. Using a questionnaire survey, this study collected 467 valid responses through a combination of probability and quota sampling and analyzed the data using Structural Equation Modeling. The results indicated that stakeholder value co-creation is positively influenced by TBL dimensions and metropolitan governance, thereby simultaneously promoting SUD and generating potential conflicts that constrain SUD. The study further evaluated the effectiveness of stakeholder value co-creation as a mediating variable and found that it has a unique suppressing effect on the relationship between environmental sustainability and conflict. The findings suggested that environmental sustainability-driven governance initiatives are crucial to containing conflict and fostering value co-creation among stakeholders. Theoretically, this study enriches the discourse on SUD literature by quantifying the interactions between TBL, metropolitan governance and stakeholder dynamics. Practically, it provides certain implications for relevant practitioners by proposing an argument that governance initiatives can be aligned with the shifting priorities toward environmental sustainability.

Triple Bottom Line on Business Performance: Examining the Moderating Role of Managerial Competencies

This study evaluates the influence of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) dimensions Economic, Social, and Environmental on restaurant business performance in Kendari, as well as the role of managerial competency moderation. The results show that the three dimensions of TBL have a significant positive influence, with the Economic and Social dimensions directly improving performance, and environmentally friendly policies also play an important role. Managerial competence strengthens TBL's positive impact on business performance. These findings imply the importance of managerial competence in maximizing the benefits of TBL to support business sustainability holistically

Corporate social responsibility and circular economy integration framework within sustainable supply chain management: Building blocks for industry 5.0

AbstractThe emergence of Industry 5.0 (I5.0) underscores the importance of integrating sustainability and human‐centricity into organizations. This requires combining corporate social responsibility (CSR) and circular economy (CE) within sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). However, the interplay between CSR, CE, and SSCM remains underexplored, especially in the context of I5.0. Therefore, this article proposes a framework for integrating CSR and CE principles within SSCM, serving as a transition to I5.0. The framework is derived from a comprehensive scoping review and experts' input, with a backdrop of the business legitimacy theory. It comprises several key constructs, including the supply chain structure and promoters, organized around four pillars representing the components of CE and embracing the triple bottom line dimensions. With 12 guidelines, the framework stands as a practical tool for organizations aiming to seamlessly integrate CSR and CE within SSCM, facilitating the transition to I5.0 and promoting a sustainable, socially responsible ethos.

Financial Sustainability: Exploring the Influence of the Triple Bottom Line Economic Dimension on Firm Performance

Triple Bottom Line (TBL) may be one of the best weapons in one of today’s biggest business challenges, achieving sustainability. Despite the importance of the economic dimension of TBL for companies’ competitiveness, financial sustainability remains undervalued in research and business management practises. Thus, there is a need to deepen the knowledge about the relationship between sustainable business practises and the economic performance of firms. This study aims to analyse the influence of the economic dimension of TBL on firm financial performance. Three multiple linear regression models were estimated by the generalised method of moments for a sample of 70,057 Portuguese companies grouped according to their size. The results reveal that the economic dimension of TBL influences the financial performance of companies in a positive way, both at the level of value creation and from the perspective of company continuity. The study uses accounting indicators as the representatives of the economic dimension of the TBL and its consideration in conjunction with the stakeholder theory. The use, monitoring, and evaluation of the financial indicators of value and continuity that translate the application of TBL in the financial performance of companies may lead them to achieve financial sustainability.

Community Empowerment Through Organic Waste Management Fostered by PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Integrated Jakarta as an Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility

Waste is still a quite complicated problem in DKI Jakarta. Waste generation in the Province has a waste generation of 8,607.26 tons per day. These problems require effective and sustainable solutions. The waste problem is the effect of the development process, and the lack of waste management, as well as the lack of public education on how to manage waste. PT Pertamina Niaga Integrated Jakarta collaborated with RW 07, North Rawa Badak Village, Koja District, North Jakarta City to conduct coaching in the form of organic waste management activities through maggot cultivation. This community empowerment program, conducted within the operational vicinity of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Integrated Jakarta, holds significance as it serves as a corporate social responsibility endeavor. Its primary objectives are to educate the community about waste management practices and to mitigate waste generation. This research employs qualitative methodology, specifically adopting a descriptive research design. The results of the study show that the Company's social responsibility program has fulfilled the concept of three triple bottom line dimensions.

Measuring Sustainability: A Validation Study of a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Scale in Portugal

Studies on sustainability using the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach are increasing. However, there is no consensus on how to measure the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability based on TBL theory. Despite numerous proposals, there is a lack of integrated measures covering all three dimensions simultaneously and having a human-centered approach. This gap is particularly pronounced in Portugal, where no existing scale adequately meets the needs of academics and practitioners. To address this challenge, and based on existing measures that encompass the nature of each TBL dimension, we present and validate a 15-item TBL scale, with 5 items per dimension: economic, social, and environmental. To test convergent validity and contribute to the discussion regarding the links between TBL and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), we also analyzed the association between each TBL dimension and each CSR dimension. Using a sample of 635 participants, divided into two independent sub-samples, we conducted comprehensive statistical analyses, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, reliability testing, and convergent and discriminant analysis, followed by invariance testing of the TBL scale. The results suggest that the proposed measure fits the Portuguese sample, and all psychometric results are robust. We also establish the links between the three dimensions of TBL—economic, social, and environmental—and the CSR dimensions, as convergent validity is verified between social TBL and employees' CSR practices. We discuss theoretical and practical implications, as well as limitations and suggestions for future research. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-03-06 Full Text: PDF

Unveiling the power of social value: Catalyzing circular economy in emerging market SMEs

The circular economy serves as a dynamic force for sustainability, emphasizing energy conservation, enduring design, and recycling, all while prioritizing value creation. Aligned with the comprehensive triple bottom line framework, encompassing environmental, social, and financial dimensions, circular economy initiatives hold the promise of substantial organizational benefits. This research, deeply rooted in systems thinking, investigates the pivotal role of social value in achieving organizational objectives. Employing structural equation modeling, a serial mediation model is meticulously crafted based on a cross-sectional online survey conducted among small and medium-sized enterprises in Turkey. The findings bring to light mutually reinforcing relationships among triple bottom line dimensions, accentuating the positive mediating mechanisms between social value initiatives and organizational performance. This study significantly advances our understanding of social value, circular economy practices, and sustainability within the context of Turkish SMEs. The practical implications of this research provide valuable guidance for organizations navigating the realms of social and environmental responsibility. Through the implementation of diverse strategies, organizations can adeptly integrate and manage the multifaceted aspects of the triple bottom line, culminating in favorable outcomes and the cultivation of triumvirate elements that augment organizational performance.

Study of a triple bottom line perspective to reach a sustainable development model for critical minerals using financial development

This study examines sustainable development in critical minerals extraction within the CEPEA region, focusing on 13 economies. Using the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework and CS-ARDL approach, we assess economic, social, and environmental factors. Results indicate a 1% increase in financial development corresponds to a 0.14% and 0.19% short and long-term escalation in CO2 emissions. Similarly, a 1% rise in FDI associates with a 0.17% short-term and a more substantial 0.29% long-term increase in CO2 emissions. Unemployment rates link to reduced emissions, while income levels correlate with elevated emissions due to heightened consumption. Comparative analysis reveals disparate impacts across TBL dimensions, emphasizing the need for nuanced policies. Policymakers are urged to integrate stringent environmental criteria into investments, encourage green FDI, devise targeted social policies, and prioritize waste reduction and clean energy transition for responsible critical minerals extraction in the region.

The impact of green entrepreneurial orientation on sustainability performance through the effects of green product and process innovation: The moderating role of ambidexterity

AbstractDrawing on the dynamic capability perspective, this study examines the impact of green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) on sustainability performance through green innovation, considering the moderation of ambidexterity. Data were collected through a 26‐item questionnaire administered in two stages to key respondents from the operations and administrative/commercial departments, resulting in 369 valid responses from industrial small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in 13 Portuguese industrial districts. The findings reveal that GEO positively influences green processes and product innovation. This suggests that companies with this orientation prioritize environmental protection and business growth through green innovation. Consequently, these innovations enhance sustainability performance across the triple bottom line dimensions, highlighting the link between GEO and the mitigation of negative environmental impacts. The study argues that sustainability can drive competitiveness and stresses the need to balance exploration and exploitation to maximize the benefits of GEO on green innovation and sustainability.

PENGARUH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TERHADAP TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE REPORTING

The importance of the triple bottom line (TBL) concept has been debated among academicians and practitioners. The discussion about the extent of implementing these sustainable initiatives and what factor determines its reporting. Corporate governance is one of the influencing factors of TBL reporting. However, limited studies investigate corporate governance's role in TBL reporting, especially utilizing data from different continental European corporate governance systems like Indonesia. Therefore, this paper investigates the effect of the commissioner board size and gender on TBL reporting using the coal-mining industry. In addition, this study also collected the company's characteristic data and included it in the research model to maintain the model specification error. Twenty coal mining company has participated in this study. The analysis of multivariate regression is employed, and the finding indicates that there is no corporate governance role proxied by the size and gender of the commissioner's board. However, profitability is positively related to all dimensions of TBL. In addition, the TBL (social and environmental) is influenced positively by the company size. This study has practical and theoretical implications and is discussed in detail. 
 
 Keywords: Triple Bottom Line, Board Of Commissioners’ Size, Existence Of Women

An analysis of the factors influencing sustainable online food delivery

ABSTRACT There is a need to incorporate Sustainability in Online Food Delivery (OFD) as the industry has witnessed a boom due to increased bandwidth and network capabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic also has contributed immensely to the acceleration of the growth of this industry. The OFD players move in unsustainable directions to extract maximum profits. This research aims to identify the factors that act as barriers across Triple Bottom Line (TBL) dimensions viz. Economic, Environmental, and Social, influencing Sustainability and mitigating them. The tools used in this research are the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). AHP and TOPSIS were used to identify each factor’s criteria weights and rank the OFD platforms in terms of the pillars of Sustainability. ISM helped to find the contextual relationship between the factors and identify the most dominant ones. The data validation based on loadings of factors, convergent and discriminant validities were done. The rise of OFD platforms is inevitable; thus, inculcating sustainable practices in this industry is pivotal. However, a few research works focus on all the pillars of Sustainability, i.e. the TBL dimensions, for the OFD platforms. The results of this study can be used by various cloud kitchens and potential startups in the field to successfully understand the factors that either help maintain or disrupt Sustainability in the OFD industry.

Has the Covid‐19 pandemic jeopardized firms' environmental behavior? Bridging green initiatives and firm value through the triple bottom line approach

AbstractThe Covid‐19 pandemic has caused a significant decline in stock markets worldwide, and organizations are experiencing serious financial problems. Protecting and preserving firm value are critical ways to help organizations survive the crisis. This study analyzes a sample of 45 firms listed on the Polish Stock Market in two periods to determine the relationship among green initiatives, the triple bottom line (TBL) perspective, and firm value in the periods before and during the crisis caused by the Covid‐19 pandemic. The results show that firms with higher green initiatives are more likely to obtain better TBL performance during the normal period. Economic and social dimensions of TBL positively influence firm value regardless of the period, but the same is not true of the ecological dimension. The Covid‐19 pandemic's negative impact on investors' perception does not translate to firm value. This study provides the first empirical evidence on the value of organizations affected by the Covid‐19 pandemic in the context of environmental management. By considering the TBL approach, this study provides a new boundary condition that explains the impact mechanism of green initiatives during a crisis.

Sustainability performance of small and medium dairy enterprises in Brazil

The sustainability performance of dairy enterprises can be improved using specific assessments indicators and indices. However, selecting a set of indicators and creating a specific sustainability index for dairy enterprises is challenging. This study aimed to assess the sustainability performance of small and medium dairy enterprises using an indicator set and indices encompassing the three dimensions of the triple bottom line approach. Hence, a specific indicator set was selected based on the literature, and a sustainability index was structured based on the process of normalisation, mean weight, aggregation, and sensitivity analysis. Empirical validation was carried out with 32 small and medium dairy enterprises in Brazil using a questionnaire to evaluate sustainability performance. The results demonstrate that the indicator set, sub-indices (environmental, social, and economic), and index are adequate and consistent for diagnosing and identifying areas of improvement in the sustainable performance of small and medium dairy enterprises. In our sample, the highest efficiency regarding sustainability performance was related to economic sub-index indicators, whereas the lowest efficiency appeared in environmental and social sub-index indicators. The application of the sustainability index delivered essential information to consultants and managers of dairy enterprises to improve resource use and minimise the environmental and social impacts of their companies. The study posits that the specific sustainability index for small and medium dairy enterprises is a powerful management resource that can diagnose positive and negative points in a company related to the triple bottom line dimensions. Furthermore, the study provides suggestions for the use of the sustainability index, contributions to sustainability performance improvement, and limitations.

Sustainability in Global Business: Analytical Framework for Selected Value Chains in Sub-Saharan Africa

During the last two decades, the dimensions of business sustainability have expanded from an environmental focus to a ‘triple bottom line (TBL)’ i.e. Economic, Social and Environmental. The analysis shows that the real challenge for businesses lies in balancing these three TBL dimensions. The TBL sustainability equation of any business is relative to the context in which it operates. In the case of global business value chains, it is observed that the TBL performance varies depending on the particular stage of the value-chain i.e. first sourcing to manufacturing, distribution, consumption and reverse logistics. There is no absolute formula for defining the TBL performance. Therefore, the issue requires contextual analysis of the different value chain levels in relation to the contextual considerations. The current paper focuses on analyzing three different value chains in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lithium Batteries; Coffee; and Pharmaceuticals. Based on the literature review, we first identify the important parameters for analyzing these three value chains. Two of the selected value chains focus on the sustainability issues in the inbound part of value chains (sourcing) while the third one focuses on the distribution (outbound) value chain. The paper explores how the considerations and approach of analysis shift depending on the contextual requirements. The paper offers insights for further developing the sustainability performance analysis framework in global value chains. instructions give you guidelines for preparing papers for this journal.

Fans' perceptions of pro-environmental sustainability initiatives in sport and triple bottom line benefits

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine fans' perceptions of pro-environmental sustainability initiatives promoted by a professional sport club and the ensuing effects on a triple bottom line (TBL) approach (i.e. fans' socially, environmentally and economically favourable behaviours).Design/methodology/approachData were collected in two different steps using an online self-administered questionnaire (n1 = 1,043; n2 = 2,167) distributed to fees-paying members registered in the club's database. The analysis was carried out though structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results indicate good psychometric properties of the scale used to measure fans' perceptions of a club's pro-environmental sustainability initiatives (perceptions of pro-environmental sustainability initiatives in sports; p-PESIS). Additionally, there is a positive effect of p-PESIS on fans' social behaviours as well as on their daily environmental actions. Furthermore, p-PESIS also shows a positive effect at improving fans' economic activities towards the club.Originality/valueExtending previous research, the authors tested a scale to measure fans' responses to pro-environmental sustainability initiatives in sport and examined their links to the TBL dimensions. Pro-environmental sustainability initiatives in sport benefit not only the club itself (by reinforcing fans' activities with the club) but also society as a whole, as it can promote fans' conscientiousness and likelihood to behave in environmentally and socially favourable ways.

Developing global supplier competences for supply chain sustainability: The effects of institutional pressures on certification adoption

AbstractDue to institutional pressures faced by companies in their business environment, this paper investigates how sustainability certification adoption affects global suppliers' competences. Using multiple case studies, managers of 20 export‐oriented firms were interviewed, and secondary data were collected and analysed through inductive content analysis. Findings show normative and mimetic pressures as central for sustainability implementation by coffee suppliers. Additionally, we found that as a result of suppliers' sustainability improvement in their own operations, during the certification adoption, new competences emerged going beyond the triple bottom line dimensions, including improvements in aspects of institutional dimension of sustainability. In contrast to previous research in supply chain sustainability that emphasises coercive pressures, this paper demonstrates the role of normative and mimetic institutional pressures in developing new supplier competences. In doing so, we draw on the role of certification adoption in influencing global suppliers and hence sustainability throughout the supply chain.

Triple Bottom Line Analysis and Assessment Towards Sustainable Palm Oil Plantation

Palm oil agroindustry face challenge in business process sustainability. Most of the research consider all stage of business in sustainability analysis moreover less of consideration in upstream parts. This research aims to analyzes the palm oil plantation sustainability performance to provide recommendation in achieving sustainability goals for upstream business parts. This research was conducted in two most productive location in producing palm oil in the world: Sumatera and Kalimantan, Indonesia. A multi-dimensional scaling with leverage analysis were applied to assess the palm oil plantation sustainability performance and provide potential improvement recommendation. The result show that the model had successfully to analyze the sustainability performance on triple bottom line dimensions: economic, social and environment. Twenty-one indicators were assessed and found location sustainability performance on palm oil plantation. Leverage analysis provide recommendation to improve the performance, including CPO quantity loss, CPO quality loss, workers personal rights condition, corporate social responsibility, soil condition and water management.

Evaluation of sustainability performance of the rail freight transportation: An index-based analysis

The freight transportation industry must adopt sustainable practices to tackle environmental and social challenges. The existing literature considers sustainable performance measurement of the overall freight transportation industry, which left a research gap in developing a sustainable performance assessment framework comprising sustainability indicators precisely modelled for rail freight transportation. This sets a motivation for the existing research to measure the triple bottom line performance of rail freight business. This study proposes an index-based sustainable performance assessment framework using the spherical fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (SF-AHP) and fuzzy logic-based approach. Thirty-six sustainability indicators are identified using literature analysis and experts’ opinions. These indicators are divided into six sustainability measures and three triple bottom line dimensions. The SF-AHP method is used to evaluate the relative importance of these sustainability indicators, and the fuzzy logic is used to compute the performance of each indicator based on inputs collected from experts in linguistic terms. The proposed research framework is applied to the Indian Railways (IR) for validation. The result of this study indicates a sustainability index of 16.1141 for IR, which is close to “fairly high sustainable” performance. Further, the indicators that hinder sustainable performance are identified by evaluating the fuzzy performance importance index. Government policymakers and IR officials can focus more on these highlighted indicators to further enhance IR’s sustainable rail freight transportation.