Social Dimension Of Sustainability Research Articles

The Role of Human Resource Management in Sustainable Development

This paper discusses the role of human resource management (HRM) in sustainable development. With the increasing global attention to environmental, social and economic sustainability issues, human resource management (HRM), as one of the core functions within organisations, plays a crucial role in driving organisations to achieve the goal of sustainable development. The article firstly describes the core functions and concepts of HRM and analyses the needs of HRM for sustainable development strategies. Then, the role of HRM in sustainable development is explored in detail from the three dimensions of environmental sustainability, social sustainability and economic sustainability. Through case studies and discussion of challenges and strategies, this paper aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the practice of HRM in sustainable development.

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

Investigating social and environmental hotspots throughout the lifecycle of product-service systems in the early design stages

Product-Service Systems (PSS) have been recognized as potential game-changers for advancing sustainability. However, the sustainability of a PSS over traditional products and services is not automatic; it requires careful, intentional design. Despite a decade's progress in relevant literature, early-stage design assessment of a PSS – particularly from a life cycle standpoint and considering the social sustainability dimension – remains underexplored. This study introduces a framework for early-stage identification and analysis of potential environmental and social impacts within a PSS's life cycle to aid in decision-making and guide towards sustainable solutions. The framework's hotspot analysis, which combines life cycle assessment techniques, aims to pinpoint life cycle stages most susceptible to significant environmental and social impacts. Drawing on existing literature and expert evaluations, this approach offers designers preliminary insights into potential impacts, establishing a groundwork for comprehensive life cycle analysis once more detailed information on products, services, and organizational structures becomes available. The hotspot analysis not only addresses the lifecycle view of a PSS but also places emphasis on the oft-neglected social dimension of sustainability, marking an area ripe for further study. By supporting decision-making in the early design phase and encouraging scrutiny of various PSS concepts, this approach promotes the cultivation of sustainably-designed solutions.

Digital Marketing Strategies for Promoting Sustainability in Agro-Based Industries: Opportunities and Challenges

Scope: This paper investigates the intersection of digital marketing and sustainability within the agricultural sector, focusing on agro-based industries. It aims to delineate the role of digital marketing in addressing evolving consumer behaviors, globalization trends, and sustainability imperatives in agriculture. Objective: The primary objective is to analyze how digital marketing strategies and emerging technologies contribute to promoting sustainability in agriculture. This study seeks to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with digital marketing in agro-based industries and provide actionable recommendations for stakeholders. Approach: The research employs a comprehensive approach, including a literature review, case studies, and SWOT analysis. It examines the significance of digital marketing tools such as precision agriculture, block chain, and artificial intelligence in advancing sustainability goals. Moreover, it assesses the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability within the context of digital marketing in agriculture. Results: The study reveals that digital marketing plays a crucial role in addressing changing consumer preferences, facilitating market access, and driving innovation in agricultural practices. It identifies strengths such as wide reach and opportunities such as enhanced market access, alongside weaknesses like the digital divide and threats such as regulatory constraints. Moreover, the research highlights the transformative potential of digital marketing for promoting sustainability in agriculture. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of digital marketing in fostering agricultural sustainability and suggest that strategic investments in digital infrastructure, data security enhancement, and technology adoption are imperative. Moreover, collaborative learning and continuous evaluation are essential for maximizing the effectiveness of digital marketing initiatives in advancing sustainability goals. Perspectives: Looking ahead, the study emphasizes the need for ongoing research and innovation to leverage emerging technologies for sustainable agriculture. It suggests exploring new digital marketing strategies and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex sustainability challenges. Ultimately, the paper provides insights for stakeholders on harnessing the power of digital marketing to promote sustainability in agriculture effectively.

Measuring Social Dimensions of Sustainability at the Community Level: An Illustrative but Cautionary Tale

Many communities are working to enhance the sustainability of their physical, economic, and social systems. While economic and physical systems are routinely measured (e.g., money and energy), psychological and behavioral elements of social systems (norms, attitudes, and individual behavior) are seldom tracked. The objective of this research was to evaluate a potentially scalable approach to measure the impact of sustainability initiatives on these variables in a community engaged in holistic sustainability programming. Online survey data were collected in 2012 (N = 155) and 2016 (N = 137), measuring pro-environmental thought and behavior in two towns in Ohio: Oberlin, a community engaged in holistic efforts to enhance environmental sustainability; and a similar community (Berea) used as a control. Survey links were distributed via recruitment letters mailed to randomly selected community residents from a purchased mailing list. We used two (town) by two (time) between subjects’ ANOVAs to evaluate whether Oberlin saw predicted increases in sustainable thought and behavior from 2012 to 2016, compared to the control community. Despite verifiable participation in and awareness of sustainability programs in Oberlin, our survey results did not provide strong evidence that programs resulted in the desired changes in attitudes, norms, and individual behaviors. Recycling attitudes and LED bulb installation were two exceptions. We conclude that assessing the psychological and behavioral dimensions of sustainability poses particular challenges. We encountered ceiling effects and inadequate statistical power. Possibly, norms and attitudes are not easily influenced even by a holistic community-wide effort.

The Role of Environmental, Economic, and Social Dimensions of Sustainability in the Quality of Life in Spain

The Role of Environmental, Economic, and Social Dimensions of Sustainability in the Quality of Life in Spain

Back to a resilient future: Digital technologies for a sustainable supply chain

AbstractEconomic, political, and societal pressure forces companies to act more sustainably. New legislation and regulation such as the Supply Chain Act, mandates companies to take responsibility for their actions as well as those of their supply chain collaborators. Meeting these requirements demands transparency. Digital technologies along the supply chain have the potential to collect diverse types of data and raise awareness for sustainability purposes. For example, data obtained from multiple supply chain participants can be used to estimate CO2 emissions or optimize resource utilization. Following guidelines for systematically reviewing a body of literature, this paper therefore investigates the distribution of digital technologies in supply chains for sustainability. Based on a collected corpus of 70 articles, we identify seven key digital technologies and indicate how they can be employed to contribute to economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The results show that (1) blockchain is the most used technology for sustainability within the supply chain and (2) the majority of articles on digital technologies in our corpus address the social dimension of sustainability. Our findings advance the understanding of how digitalization can transform supply chains into more sustainable entities and help practitioners decide which technology fits a certain sustainability dimension.

An Assessment of Accessibility from a Socially Sustainable Urban Mobility Approach in Mass Transit Projects: Contributions from the Northern Central American Triangle

This article aims to address the lack of research on the social dimension of sustainability, also known as social sustainability, in urban mobility projects, primarily in cities of the Global South. It proposes a strategy to partially assess social sustainability, focusing on accessibility, which is one of the key dimensions for conducting such an evaluation. To this end, a comparative analysis of three study cases is conducted in the capital cities of the Northern Central American Triangle (NCAT) before and after the construction of bus rapid transit (BRT) projects between 2000 and 2020. Accessibility is evaluated through equity and spatial efficiency indicators obtained through geographical information system (GIS) modeling, including layers representing transportation networks, populated areas, and locations of basic urban facilities. The result is an unprecedented assessment of accessibility in the NCAT capitals, which shows how the Guatemala City BRT project has improved the city’s social sustainability by reducing access times to basic urban facilities, mainly public health clinics and educational facilities, and narrowing the inequality gap as compared to projects in San Salvador and Tegucigalpa, the other capital cities in the NCAT. Additionally, it is emphasized that this methodology can be replicated in the Global South while considering the scarcity of information and the use of open-source software in the process.

Sustainability Education in English Textbook Grade VIII Based On SNC (2022)

The primary objective of the study was to analyze the depiction of sustainability in the English textbook of grade eight based on Single National Curriculum (SNC), 2022. The study employed the Sustainability Framework of Marco Tavanti (2010) and qualitative content analysis through NVivo 12 with purposive sampling of the textbook. The findings reveal that sustainability is not the central theme of the textbook content, however, various dimensions of environmental, social, cultural, and values sustainability are being promoted through lessons, narratives, and activities. It was revealed that the environmental dimension is promoted through responsible use of resources by tree plantation, conservation of wild animals and birds, and responsible use of water and electricity. The social dimension is reflected through empathy, kindness, and respect for all professions. The economic dimension is indirectly reflected through the promotion of education, and the facilitation of agriculture to improve productivity. The cultural dimension is promoted through the cultural diversity and cultural heritage of Pakistan. Values-based dimension of sustainability at school is primarily based on moral values, spirituality, and personal development. There is no explicit attention to the institutional one, but responsible citizens are being promoted, which is a component of the institutional dimension. Even though sustainability is not the central theme of the textbook, it contributes towards providing a holistic and comprehensive understanding of sustainable development to the students.

Sustainability Education in Pakistan: A Qualitative Content Analysis of The 10th Grade Pakistan Studies Textbook

Using the Sustainability Framework proposed by Tavanti (2010), depiction of sustainability in 10th grade Pakistan Studies textbook. This textbook was selected through purposive sampling. For data analysis, Qualitative Content Analysis was used facilitated by NVivo 12 software. The findings of the study revealed that sustainability in the 10th grade Pakistan studies textbook was limited and lacked integration and concentration among several dimensions of sustainability as per Tavanti’s framework of sustainability. Partial coverage has been given to social, economic, cultural, and values dimensions of sustainability. Also, it lacks depth and does not discuss them critically. On the other hand, the environmental and institutional dimensions are almost non-existent. The textbook mostly emphasizes the economic use of natural resources and relatively ignores the role of environmental conservation and responsible use of natural resources. Moreover, the textbook failed to cover the role of indigenous knowledge, cultural diversity, and values in the promotion of sustainable development. Keywords: , textbook, Pakistan Studies, qualitative content analysis, Nvivo

Towards a socially sustainable built environment: a comparative assessment of urban neighbourhoods in Istanbul

PurposeIntegrating and advancing social sustainability is foundational to achieving the urban sustainable development goals. Given the rapid transformation of cities in the Mediterranean region, this study sought to assess residents' evaluation of social sustainability in two socio-spatially diverse neighbourhoods of metropolitan Istanbul.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey, adapted from an empirically well-tested and robust social sustainability framework, was used to collect data from 197 residents from Balat and Rasimpasa neighbourhoods in Metropolitan Istanbul. The study then employed quantitative analytical techniques such as independent sample t-tests and Pearson correlation to analyse the sample data.FindingsIn both neighbourhoods, accessibility and participation were ranked the highest and lowest dimensions of social sustainability, respectively. However, the t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the two neighbourhoods regarding social networking and interaction, safety and security and participation. The differences align with emerging studies on urban social sustainability in the Mediterranean and European cities that when considered from urban spatial contexts, significant differences emerge from a social network and safety perspective.Practical implicationsOur study invites urban planners and policy makers attention to and emphasise on lowly evaluated social sustainability dimensions such as participation in their efforts to promote sustainable urban development at the neighbourhood level. We reason that opening the decision-making process to include diverse voices and experiences of residents through participatory workshops might offer opportunities for context-specific, citizen-led urban planning and design strategies that are socially sustainable.Originality/valuePrevious studies have not fully accounted for how various socio-spatial contexts at the neighbourhood level shape differential evaluation of social sustainability. This paper extends the emerging work on urban social sustainability by situating residents’ evaluation of social sustainability indicators across two unique neighbourhoods with gridded and organic spatial characteristics in Istanbul. This paper is an important addition to ongoing work on how spatial organisation of neighbourhoods can influence experiences of social sustainability from an urban planning and design perspective.

A Participatory Urban Governance Framework for Transitioning Cities Towards Sustainability: Linking the Protection of Urban Ecosystems’ Functions and Circularity Principles

The purpose of this research is to provide an urban governance framework that can aid decision-makers to transition cities towards more sustainability and resilience. Our premise is that such transition will take time, iterations and adaptations and will benefit from using a governance framework that is both participatory and that also highlights the ecological, economic and social dimensions of sustainability all at once. In order to do so, we suggest considering the city itself as an ecosystem that delivers environmental functions (production, sink, amenity and regulation) through its activities. Using an accounting representation that links urban activities to these functions, we are then advocating building sustainable urban strategies based on the protection of these functions and on minimising non-re-usable waste or by-products. Encouraging such circularity requires negotiation amongst stakeholders who need to know how production processes could be connected to minimise the overall generation of waste. It also promotes cooperation amongst producers and consumers, and generates collective learning and co-creation. The article shows that adopting an ecosystemic representation can help in understanding circularity as a regenerative approach that goes beyond an accounting balancing exercise. We suggest to integrate design thinking to enhance negotiations based on the information provided by the accounts. The research illustrates how such method could be operationalised by focusing on food system activities, stakeholders, and security as core to urban resilience, using Lisbon Metropolitan Area food strategy as a case study.

Concern or Opportunity: Implementation of the TBL Criterion in the Healthcare System

This study systematically investigated the extent and application of sustainability practices in the healthcare system by thoroughly examining existing research conducted on healthcare-related issues within the framework of sustainability. The review primarily focuses on three key conceptual aspects: the social, economic, and ecological dimensions of sustainability. PLS-SEM (partial least squares structural equation modeling) and MGA (multigroup analysis) for private and state healthcare organizations were applied in the study. The results show that there exists a robust positive relationship between the environmental dimension and the social dimension of health organizations’ outcomes, and the environmental dimension of the sustainability of healthcare organizations achieves a positive relationship with the economic dimension, while this relatedness is absent in the case of private healthcare organizations, for two perspectives: internal processes and learning. Moreover, the social dimension is identified as a factor that strengthens the impact of the environmental dimension on the economic dimension of health organizations’ outcomes. The results can be used in the development of policies and regulations, and for defining the strategies of healthcare organizations.

Sustainability standards in rural entrepreneurships: the case of banana producers in Magdalena (Colombia)

Purpose This study aims to evaluate how the criteria of sustainability standards (SS) ensure the social dimension of corporate sustainability (CS) in rural entrepreneurships using the case of banana agribusinesses in Magdalena (Colombia). Design/methodology/approach The methodological design was quantitative, explanatory and cross-sectional, where a sample of banana producers from Magdalena (Colombia) was selected. A structural equation model (SEM) was developed to evaluate the hypotheses. The SEM goodness-of-fit and fit indices were all acceptable. Findings There is a strong and statistically significant correlation between SS criteria and the social dimension of CS. In particular, local development is the most influential factor in shaping CS in the context of banana agribusinesses in Magdalena, Colombia, operating as rural entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, working conditions and human rights show moderate effects, while labor rights do not have a perceptible impact. Research limitations/implications Only the SS criteria that ensure the social dimension of CS in the banana agribusinesses of Magdalena (Colombia) were considered. It is important to note that other variables may be involved in ensuring CS. Future research to identify these possible variables is recommended. Originality/value This investigation explores an understudied issue within the CS sphere, explicitly focusing on rural entrepreneurship in developing countries, notably Colombia. The study scrutinizes the impact of SS on the social dimension of CS in rural environments, using banana cooperatives as a case study and highlighting the value of developing strategies to help improve the CS performance of this type of organization.

Sustainability decision‐making in times of crisis: An empirical study in Italy under the lens of the Russian‐Ukraine war

AbstractThis research examines the impact of the Russian‐Ukraine war on the decisions made by managers regarding the three dimensions of the triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability. Specifically, it investigates how managers in the Lombardy region of Italy adapted their approaches towards sustainability during this crisis. The descriptive statistics and PCA analyses demonstrate that managers adjusted their decisions regarding the social dimension of sustainability in response to the prevailing circumstances. The Russian‐Ukraine war has led to a convergence of the social and economic dimensions within firms. However, the study also reveals that the social dimension is often considered secondary to the core business, making it the weakest aspect of the TBL approach. Nonetheless, external disruptions, such as in the case of the Russian‐Ukraine war, can influence this approach, leading to a repositioning of the social dimension as a focal point in business strategies. By emphasizing the importance of considering social aspects in sustainability decision‐making during crises, this research contributes valuable insights to the existing literature. The findings can inform the development of strategies to address challenges posed by the Russian‐Ukraine war and enhance the integration of social criteria in sustainability decision‐making.

A quality-based sustainable supply chain architecture for perishable products using image processing in the era of industry 4.0

In India, approximately one-third of agricultural produce is wasted every year due to the different issues present in the post-harvest supply chain stages. The supply chain management of perishable products becomes complex and challenging due to the inclusion of its perishability dynamics. Quality is the main factor that governs the buying or discarding of perishable products by consumers. Therefore, the main aim of this research work is to develop an accurate and efficient image processing model for the classification of the product (Tomato) based on its quality for managing the supply chain. There are three novelties in this research work. A four-stage supply chain architecture integrated with the image processing system at mandi, and warehouses is proposed (First). This image processing system is developed in two stages. In stage I, the acquired images of tomato during its life cycle are labelled with the help of machine learning algorithms (Second). This labelled data is used in stage II for the development of a classification model to segregate the product into various grades. For this, an optimized architecture of seven-layer Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model is developed followed by optimization of its hyperparameters simultaneously using Design of Experiments (DOE) technique (Third). The optimized CNN model achieved maximum accuracy of 88.40% and reported an execution time of 7 min. Further, the results of standard hyperparameter optimization techniques like Grid search, Random search, Bayesian, and Hyperband are compared with the proposed DOE technique on the optimized CNN architecture. The work done in this paper enables the supply chain managers to take accurate and rapid decisions for pricing, procurement, storage, and transportation at various stages of the supply chain leading to Industry 4.0. This will result in reduced post-harvest losses and simultaneously achieve the benefits across social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability leading to better supply chain management.

Determinants of Agribusiness Sustainability: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

The research conducted in this study focused on exploring the determinants of sustainability of agribusinesses. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design and targeted managers and operational staff working in agribusinesses affiliated with the National Association of Seed Traders of Ghana (NASTAG). The collected data underwent a series of statistical analyses, including exploratory factor analysis, principal component analysis, and varimax rotation. These analyses were performed on the questionnaires, which contained variables assessing the determinants of sustainability of agribusinesses. The findings of the study revealed some sustainability dimensions of agribusinesses in Ghana. These determinants were categorised into three dimensions: social, environmental and economic sustainability dimensions. These dimensions emerged after applying exploratory factor analysis, principal component analysis, and varimax rotation techniques. Together, these three dimensions accounted for 74.3% of the explained variance in the data. The identified sustainability determinants have both theoretical and practical implications for enhancing agribusinesses. They provide valuable insights into the specific areas that need attention and improvement to promote the long-term viability of agribusiness operations. However, despite the significance of these findings, the study also recommended that future researchers should consider exploring the interconnectedness and potential trade-offs between the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of agribusiness sustainability. It would be valuable to investigate the effectiveness of various strategies and interventions in achieving balanced sustainability outcomes across these dimensions.

CAN SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING MAKE A DIFFERENCE?: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS ON SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS OF BIST LISTED AGRI-FOOD COMPANIES IN TURKEY

Agri-business is a huge industry including all operations from farm level production to storage, manufacture and distribution of agricultural commodities. This fact together with worsening social and environmental conditions and pandemic crises have added to change in perception of agriculture in economic construction. The following decades will most probably witness a resurgence of agriculture-based development recipes having been informed by social, environmental and governance dimensions of sustainability. This article searches for the sustainability reports of agriculture-related firms listed in BIST in Turkey. Sampling includes 11 out of 64 listed agri-business firms having recent sustainability reports, which are examined by qualitative data analysis techniques with MAXQDA software. The first argument our findings support is that agri-food sector is lagging behind to catch up sustainability reporting compared to other sectors. Second, companies are more ready to comply with issues that are legally regulated. Third, environmental problems are more addressed than social and economic sustainability standards. This study also shows the relative unimportance of topics such as child labor, pesticides use, supply chain traceability, women entrepreneurship and geographical indication, which can have positive impacts for Turkish agricultural space if a backward push of big companies through integrating these topics more into their sustainability reporting process. This article contributes to the literature on sustainability in general and reporting in agri-food sector in particular.

Responsible leadership and triple bottom line performance: imperatives for corporate sustainability

Purpose This paper aims to elucidate responsible leadership as a construct with strong moral and ethical underpinnings, as well as a focus on multiple stakeholders and the triple bottom line. This paper also highlights the interdependence of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of a business to achieve corporate sustainability. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper is the outcome of analysing and synthesizing the findings of the literature review on three main constructs: responsible leadership, triple bottom line and corporate sustainability. This review enabled the development of logical associations among these constructs. Findings The literature revealed logical associations between responsible leadership, the triple bottom line and corporate sustainability. All three constructs embody the three dimensions of economic, social and environmental sustainability, which form the basis of the associations. Practical implications Responsible leadership, grounded in stakeholder theory, goes beyond the traditional dyadic leader–follower relationship to influence multiple stakeholders within and outside the organization and achieve positive outcomes for both the organization and society. Multiple levels of outcomes and higher levels of organizational performance for businesses are the hallmarks of responsible leadership. Originality/value This paper highlights the importance of responsible leadership and triple bottom-line performance for corporate sustainability. Responsible leadership has the potential to create significant impact on business and society, to achieve long-term corporate sustainability. A conceptual model of responsible leadership is also proposed to show the association between responsible leadership, the triple bottom line and corporate sustainability.

Green Consumerism: A Cross-Cultural Linguistic and Sentiment Analysis of Sustainable Consumption Discourse on Twitter (X)

Green consumerism research suffers from a paucity of comprehensive, cross-cultural investigations and lacks insight into the interplay of sustainability dimensions and human values. This study examined sustainable consumption-specific tweets (N = 72,000) in the United States, Switzerland, and India. Findings indicate that consumers in India (i.e., the non-Western culture) emphasized the environmental and social dimensions of sustainability as well as the biospheric and altruistic values in their tweets. The two Western cultures focused more on egoistic values and the economic aspects of sustainability. Indian and Swiss consumer sentiments were largely positive, whereas the American consumers expressed more negative sentiments. Results can offer important culturally informed and contextually sensitive recommendations to marketers and policymakers for sustainability communications.