Defining Roles in Business Sustainability

It goes without saying that executive management plays a critical role in company success, and business sustainability in any organization begins and ends with leadership. While management is ultimately responsible for creating employee alignment and engagement, employees have a role to play in the definition and implementation of the organization’s business sustainability programs.

Today’s business leaders are presented with the unique opportunity to increase profitability through expanded eco awareness and a more proactive response to changing market expectations. Many companies are seeking to refine their sustainable business strategies, improve internal and external communication, and bring cohesiveness to their organization to promote employee engagement.

Sustainable organizations understand the value in managing their human capital. They realize that a quality workforce, aligned with the goals of the organization, is essential to business sustainability. Whether led by a sustainability executive or traditional management, the successful team across has several key players:

•    Supply Chain Professionals: these key interfaces with the company’s supply chain can implement new sources of supply or work with current suppliers to incorporate sustainability concepts that improve operations. Procurement play a role in coordinating sustainable purchasing practices across various departments within the organization.

•    Environmental, Health, and Safety Professionals: these key interfaces with the company’s operations and establish and implement the company’s sustainability policies. They can also function as a communication vehicle to the organization.

•    Sales and Marketing Professionals: these key interfaces with the company’s customers represent the face of business sustainability and communicate the organizations values and commitment to sustainability. Sales and Marketing link consumer preferences for sustainable products with the offerings of the company.

•    Human Resource Professionals: these key interfaces have a key role to play to help a company achieve its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives.

At Taiga Company, we recognize the value of employees as key business stakeholders. Our professional consulting works with companies to build and implement business sustainability programs that engage and leverage internal resources.