The Ambiguity of Sustainability Within Labor and Employment Relations
Open Access
Author:
Bignotti, Ariana
Area of Honors:
Labor and Human Resources
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Tommy C Hogan, Thesis Supervisor Christopher Cody Stephens, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
sustainability corporate responsibility business ambiguity
Abstract:
Various standards-setting bodies have examined sustainability in recent years in effort to develop a universally agreed upon definition. As no conclusion has currently been reached in regards to the true definition of sustainability, the concept remains ambiguous to organizations and businesses around the globe. The present thesis examines the effects of the ambiguity of sustainability and how that affects shareholders’ and stakeholders’ decision-making within organizations. The focus of this thesis will analyze how different organizations can affect the conversation surrounding sustainability, with a focus on standard-setting bodies. This thesis will highlight the difference between shareholder and stakeholder perspectives. Case studies of different for-profit organizations will be leveraged to assess the topics related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and the issue of greenwashing. In all, this study anticipates adding to the growing body of knowledge on sustainability and development in the workplace.
