Keep It Green

From APEC HRDWG Wiki

Many multinational companies are taking responsibility for the way their work affects communities and the natural environment.^[1] They recognize that their drive for profit intersects with the needs of societies and the safe-guarding of natural resources for future generations. Sustainability refers to business decisions that consider social and environmental impacts. It is a growing priority for corporations.^[2] Young people are particularly concerned about the environment, because they are the ones who will inherit it. As new generations enter the workforce, they are encouraging their employers to “think green."

Additionally, governments and multilateral organizations have encouraged the development of sustainable industries as an opportunity for economic growth and prosperity. New sustainable industries have the potential to be major job creators, making investment in the industry an increasingly attractive investment.^[3]    

The "Low-Carbon Economy"

The world is facing an environmental crisis. Scientists say that human activities are causing the rapid loss of plant and animal species. Reliance on carbon-based fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas to fuel the world’s economies creates greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and health problems. This situation is unsustainable over time.^[4] However, changing it is not easy. Some people wonder what change will mean for developing economies, businesses, and society.

Some multinational companies have recognized that the world must now move toward a “low-carbon economy,” and they are acting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other types of pollution they create. The companies that do this can make a difference for the planet and gain loyalty from consumers, and they may also experience other benefits of sustainability. Green business brings opportunities for new projects, innovations, and profits. It may help companies attract and retain new, valuable workers. It can also help them save money by reducing their consumption of fuel, paper, and other resources.^[5]

The Roles of Multinational Business and Youth

Companies with a commitment to sustainability can do many things to prevent environmental destruction and make a positive impact in the countries in which they operate. Young employees can be important sources of creative ideas to promote environmentalism within companies. Dennis Rondinelli (2007), writing in the Multinational Business Review, lists a number of positive steps businesses can take.^[1] Young people aspiring to positions in these businesses can look for initiatives like those listed here:

• Create incentives for employees to work with local resource conservation groups.
• Make donations to environmental programs and fund local initiatives.
• Sponsor educational programs for employees.
• Create formal working relationships with social and environmental groups, non-profits, and local governments.
• Reform their own internal management practices.

Young people who hope to work in multinational companies may wish to consider those companies’ sustainability policies and practices. The managers of the future will expand these policies, integrate them further into business strategies and practices, monitor and evaluate them responsibly, and increase their effectiveness.

Corporations Thinking Green

Some multinational companies doing business in APEC economies are promoting sustainability in exciting ways. Here are some examples:

• Honda, a multinational company based in Japan, remains the leader among automakers in promoting fuel economy and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Read here about how it continues to beat out other automakers.
• Coca-Cola is taking steps to use less water, create bottles from renewable materials, and use natural refrigeration techniques that are more friendly to the environment. They are also partnering with the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Federation . Read about their initiatives here.
• Proctor and Gamble (P&G) offices have decreased waste by 50% in the last 6 years. P&G is also developing a technology to clean polluted drinking water in order to improve the lives of millions of children around the world. Read about P&G and other multinational companies’ sustainability initiatives here.
• Multinational companies doing business in China, including Boeing, Siemens, General Electric, and Carrefour, are taking a leading role in promoting energy-efficient building throughout China. Read the details here.

Resources

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} Rondinelli, Dennis A. (2007). Sustainable development: Principles and practices in transnational corporations. Multinational Business Review, Spring 2007. Retrieved October 19, 2010, at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3674/is_200704/ai_n24394443/
2. ↑ D’Amato, A., Henderson, S., & Florence, S. (2009). Corporate social responsibility and sustainable business: A guide to leadership tasks and functions. Greensboro, N.C.: 3. Center for Creative Leadership. Retrieved September 10, 2010, from http://www.ccl.org/leadership/pdf/research/CorporateSocialResponsibility.pdf
3. ↑ International Labour Organization. (2010). Skills for Green Jobs: European Synthesis Report. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. Retrieved July 6, 2011, at http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_emp/@ifp_skills/documents/publication/wcms_143855.pdf
4. ↑ World Wildlife Fund. (2010). Living Planet Report 2010: Biodiversity, biocapacity and development. Gland, Switzerland: Author. Retrieved October 21, 2010, at http://assets.panda.org/downloads/lpr2010.pdf
5. ↑ American Society for Training and Development. ASTD creates training resources to meet “green” trend. Retrieved September 10, 2010, at http://www1.astd.org/Blog/?tag=/training+resources

Return to Skills for Success in Multinational Business

Related Teaching Tips:

Case Studies in Sustainability: Can We Afford to Be Green?