Sustainable Development in Business: Reflective Journal

This reflective journal explores the multifaceted aspects of sustainable development within a business context. It delves into the critical issues and challenges faced by businesses in adopting sustainable practices, such as the inverse relationship between the green economy and transformational change, as well as the lack of clarity regarding the meaning of sustainability. The journal examines key concepts like the triple bottom line approach and long-term planning, while also analyzing various strategic approaches. It references the importance of mass collaboration, stakeholder support, and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, the journal provides practical examples like Tesco and Coles, and discusses the importance of education and awareness in promoting sustainable practices. The author also includes a personal reflection on the implications for the business sector.

Running head: MANAGEMENT
Sustainable development in business
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

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Contents
Issues..........................................................................................................................................2
Challenges..................................................................................................................................2
Concepts.....................................................................................................................................3
Approaches.................................................................................................................................4
References..................................................................................................................................5

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Issues
From the course module and my practical experience, I am very well acquainted with
the alternating outlook of the business. The green economy and the momentum for the
transformational change are inversely proportional (Weaver et al., 2017). I have gained an
insight into the recent acquisitions of the climactic solutions, which are adopted for achieving
the community development. I think the world enterprises are responsible for ensuring this
development is achieved. Mass collaboration is the need of the hour for achieving sustainable
development. I affirm with the arguments of Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, who upholds the
lackadaisical approach of the companies in order to enforce policies and actions for achieving
sustainable development (Broman & Robèrt, 2017). I am concerned by his statements that
such approach adds vulnerability into the existence in the competitive ambience of the
market. The main concern in this context is that of the lack of understanding regarding the
ways in which the businesses can be made sustainable.
Challenges
I am highly concerned that most of the companies lack clarity about the outlook of
sustainability. As a matter of specification, there is lack of adequate knowledge regarding the
information to be gained, functionalities, transformation of the business outlook and need for
the transformation (Holden, Linnerud & Banister, 2017). I can cite the example of Tesco,
who have identified “Sustainable Livelihood”, as one of the cornerstones in the revised
standards of the corporate social responsibility. As a result of this, the benefits, which Tesco
has enjoyed, are: increase in the sales revenue, judicious consumption of the resources,
boosting the morale and confidence of the workers and reduced attrition and operational
risks.

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I have learnt that the investment logic for sustainability is at mostly improper, which
results in negative results. In this context, I can bring into context the arguments of Bendell,
(2017), which sheds light on improper change management strategies. Here, one of aspects
can be cited as that of the resistance towards embracing the proposing change. Mostly, it is
seen that adherence and compliance to the process and goals is missing. In this context, I can
connect the non-responsive stage of The Phase Model. The immediate impacts and outcomes
of this are the losses due to risks, which degrades the reputation of the brands. Delving deeper
into the matter, this non-responsiveness can be accounted as one of the component of the first
wave of sustainability. I affirm with the arguments of Nilsson, Griggs and Visbeck, (2016),
which sheds light on the limitations in exercising the traditional values. Strategic planning is
missing for renovating the business model, aimed for the achievement of the sustainable
development.
Concepts
I have gained knowledge into the fact that sustainability involves the act of achieving
balance, equilibrium in the ecological biodiversity. One of the main aspects is that of the
conservation of the natural resources, so that the community can get their share of the daily
sustenance (Hák, Janoušková & Moldan, 2016). In case of the business functionalities,
sustainability implies enhancement of the triple bottom approach for enhancing the corporate
social responsibility. Here, I can cite the example of Coles, where environmental and social
impacts of the operations are conducted for ensuring the social welfare. I can specifically
make mention of the activities of recycling the wastes and ethical sourcing, which helps in
achieving trust, dependence and loyalty from the customers.
Long term planning is also one of the important components of the sustainable
development. I think that this planning is effective for ensuring viability, growth and survival

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strategies. The main aim in the sustainable development is that of ensuring that there is
sufficient for the others to fulfil their basic needs (Warburton, 2018). I have found that
education is one of an important component for achieving sustainable development. Here,
trainings are required for enhancing the awareness of the people regarding the basic ways to
upgrade the standards of living for themselves and that of the community people. The
important questions in this context is “How much is enough?”. I also think that can the
resources be sustained for the community forever? What if some crisis develops?
Approaches
I have gained an insight into the fact that strategic approach is essential for the
achievement of sustainable development. Within this, the primary action that needs to be
conducted is that of altering the consumption patterns. The emphasis needs to be on value
adding and innovation. Re-branding strategies through stakeholder support has been adopted
by many of the companies (Hák, Janoušková & Moldan, 2016). I affirm that reconstructive of
constructive culture through long term planning would be beneficial for achieving positive
outcomes. I agree to the arguments of Bendell, (2017) regarding the enhancement of the triple
bottom line approach. In this context, I would say that Bullseye model is effective than the
Mickey Mouse model, as the components are included within the parameters of the business.
Sustainable Development Goals have been developed by the United Nations for upgrading
the standards of living for the communities. These goals cover the aspects of economic, social
and environmental, enhancing the corporate social responsibility (Holden, Linnerud &
Banister, 2017).

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References
Bendell, J. (Ed.). (2017). Terms for endearment: Business, NGOs and sustainable
development. Routledge.
Broman, G. I., & Robèrt, K. H. (2017). A framework for strategic sustainable
development. Journal of Cleaner Production, 140, 17-31.
Hák, T., Janoušková, S., & Moldan, B. (2016). Sustainable Development Goals: A need for
relevant indicators. Ecological Indicators, 60, 565-573.
Holden, E., Linnerud, K., & Banister, D. (2017). The imperatives of sustainable
development. Sustainable Development, 25(3), 213-226.
Nilsson, M., Griggs, D., & Visbeck, M. (2016). Policy: map the interactions between
Sustainable Development Goals. Nature, 534(7607), 320-322.
Warburton, D. (2018). A passionate dialogue: Community and sustainable development.
In Community and sustainable development (pp. 1-39). Routledge.
Weaver, P., Jansen, L., Van Grootveld, G., Van Spiegel, E., & Vergragt, P.
(2017). Sustainable technology development. Routledge.