Employees’ recognition of corporate sustainability: a case study

Author(s):

Silvana Pintão, (Faculty of Economics, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal)

Cristina Chaves, (Faculty of Economics, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal)

Manuel Castelo Branco, (Faculty of Economics, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal and a Researcher at CEF.UP and OBEGEF, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal)

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Abstract:

Purpose

This paper aims to ascertain whether a company with a solid reputation for corporate sustainability leadership deems its workforce to be as important as its external stakeholders when developing and communicating its sustainability activities, and to evaluate its workforce’s recognition of such activities.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve these aims, a case study of a leading Brazilian company was carried out. The authors conducted an interview with the corporate sustainability department and submitted a survey by questionnaire to its employees. The data were complemented by documentary analysis of the company’s annual reports, sustainability reports, corporate website, newsletters and press releases.

Findings

Results suggest that the company does attribute significant importance to its workforce and that its employees have sound knowledge of its sustainability practices and engage with them.

Research limitations/implications

Given that the research adopts a case study approach, the scope for generalisation is limited.

Originality/value

The present study explores a neglected aspect of extant research – the relations between corporate sustainability and human resources.

Keywords:

Brazil, Case study, Employees, Corporate sustainability

Type:

Research Paper

Publisher:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Received:

24 January 2017

Revised:

03 July 2017, 04 July 2017, 11 July 2017

Accepted:

14 July 2017

Acknowledgments:

The authors gratefully acknowledge the contribution of Duratex Sociedade Anonima and its sustainability department staff, without which the present study could not have been completed. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Duratex.

Copyright:

© Emerald Publishing Limited 2018
Published by Emerald Publishing Limited
Licensed re-use rights only

Citation:

Silvana Pintão, Cristina Chaves, Manuel Castelo Branco, (2018) "Employees’ recognition of corporate sustainability: a case study", Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, Vol. 18 Issue: 1, pp.104-118, https://doi.org/10.1108/CG-01-2017-0016

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