Towards a standardised management system for corporate sustainable development

Abstract

Purpose

The systematic implementation and assessment of corporate sustainable development is difficult in the absence of a structured approach. The existing management systems and frameworks do not provide a balanced approach to the management of the triple bottom line of sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of developing a sustainable development management system (SDMS) and provides a basic framework for such a system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the approaches that can be employed to embody the various elements of a SDMS – including underlying values, system requirements, continual improvement, and assessment approaches. Advantages and disadvantages of developing a SDMS are also reviewed.

Findings

Descriptive guidelines augmented by prescriptive requirements could provide a comprehensive guide to corporate sustainable development management and assessment through a hybrid approach. A basic structure for the descriptive guidelines, prescriptive requirements, and assessment approaches is provided.

Practical implications

The paper could provide a needed starting point for managers to structure their thinking related to their organisation's sustainability initiatives.

Originality/value

The existing systems and guidelines addressing sustainable development are characterised by several limitations. This paper provides a unique framework for corporate sustainable development that has not been addressed in previous publications.

Citation

Asif, M. and Searcy, C. (2014), "Towards a standardised management system for corporate sustainable development", The TQM Journal, Vol. 26 No. 5, pp. 411-430. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-08-2012-0057