The importance of sustainable practices for every organization

This concept gives emphasis on maintaining and managing the activities of the organization in a proper manner. Every business has a responsibility towards the society. In the current situation, the corporate social responsibility plays a significant role in conducting the activities of the organization. The organization conducts the activities with a motive of earning profitability. The responsibility of the company is to give emphasis to the needs and wants so that the satisfaction level of the customers can be maintained. Under this report, CSR activities of Cole’s supermarket will be analyzed.   

It is important to consider sustainable practices for every organization so that the image of the company can be enhanced in the market.  The term sustainable development is related to the activities that are operated by every organization so that the negative impact on the society can be minimized effectively.  By considering proper sustainable practices the companies can safeguard the future of the society.  One of the theories of CSR is triple bottom line theory and it is concerned with operating the activities of the organization.  

The theory has a connection with the moral community and it plays a significant role in social responsibility.  Triple bottom theory considers sustainability and considers the operations of the organization on the basis of economic, environmental and social sustainability (Zarkada-Fraser and Fraser, 2015). 

Stakeholder’s theory 

Stakeholders are shareholders, employees, and customers. Stakeholders are responsible for the activities conducted in the organization. The theory considers the need for the managers to analyze the accountability of stakeholders (Waring, 2016).

 The companies take into consideration the resources of the organization, so that competitive advantage can be attained.  It is analyzed that it is important to manage and control the activities of the organization in a proper manner.  The companies’ tries to consider the strategy related to control so that positive impact can be attained. The theory of stakeholders takes into consideration three components like

• The stakeholders give direct impact on the overall activities of the company
• The interaction gives impact on the stakeholders and on the company
• The strategic option of the company is considered (Shafritz, Ott and  Jang, 2015). 

 It is essential to give focus on the strategies to deal with the stakeholders. There are many companies who are not able to satisfy the needs of the customers.  The CSR and business activities can be analyzed by various concepts of corporate social performance.  In this, the top management takes into consideration the strategies to make correct decisions. Organizational development is important to establish a business in the market.  Social performance is the responsibility of the top management so that the activities can be conducted effectively (Schlegelmilch, 2016).

The concept of corporate social performance and its relevance for Cole’s Supermarket

It is the responsibility of the manager and top management to see that the activities are conducted according to the responsibility and rights of an individual. It is important for the organization to conduct the activities by considering the social responsibility so that positive outcome can be attained. Training should be given to the employees so that they can conduct the activities in a proper manner.  Through training, the employees know about the activities that are conducted in the organization.  If proper training is given to employees then competitive advantage can be attained (Lewis and Huber, 2015). 

Coles has a framework for sustainable supermarkets that are most efficient and cost-effective to conduct the activities of the organization.

• Manage climate change: The Company takes into consideration Energy Efficiency programs so that anti-condensate heater controls can be implemented. The company has set 100 stores to minimize the use of lightning during the non-trading hours.
• Labor and human rights:  The sustainability is related to the labor and human rights. The company gives focus on encouraging ethical supply chains.  The ethical sourcing policy takes into consideration issues like child labor, illegal labor and employee working hours.   
• Sanitation facilities:  The Company provides proper sanitation facilities.  However, that the company has sponsored sanitation facilities to the public.  The sustainability can be retained if proper services and care are given to the public. The method used by the company gives impact on the overall interest of the stakeholder’s interest. If sustainability is maintained by the company then it can be easy to attain positive results in an effective manner (Webster, Bargon and Carter, 2015).
• Health research programs:  Coles gives a contribution to health by sponsoring games and events.  It helped many individuals to be active and the company supports many sports activities that enhance the living standard of the people.  This idea is a way to support the individuals in sports event (Kipping and Üsdiken, 2014).
• Revolution in green consumption:  Coles has contributed to take active participation in green consumption that is related to the environmental option and making it easy to afford. It is one of the green club card schemes that help to reduce the usage of the plastic bags.
• Employees of the organization: The employees are offered a great platform for career development programs with proper communication to facilitate the feedback of the staff. It helps to enhance the motivation level and family-friendly working through flexible hours to work.
• Water awareness programs: The Company constructed clean drinking water facilities in many areas.  However, the organization conduct proper water quality checks so that clean water can be available for the individuals.  This program helps to maintain a proper image in the market and to manage the sustainable environment. It is evaluated that clean drinking water is offered so that they can live their lives in a happy manner (Geisler and Wickramasinghe, 2015).
• Safe and clean environment: The Company offers a safe and clean environment in the store so that the satisfaction level can be increased and the direct impact is seen on the overall sales of the organization.  It is the responsibility of the organization to offer proper environment so that the customer buying experience can be enhanced. Proper billing and products are available for the customers so that they feel comfortable to avail products and services (Meyers and van Woerkom, 2014).

However,  the organization tries to inspire the individuals to live a happy life. The main motive is to increase the satisfaction level of the employees and of the customers who avail the products and services. 

Is products and services are according to CSR? 

 Cole’s supermarket offers variety of products under one roof. It is convenient for the customers to purchase the products and to evaluate the varieties of products under one roof. Discounts and offers are given to the consumers so that they get induced to purchase the products.  The emphasis of the company is on providing the products at fewer rates and to minimize the wastage of the products (Olstad, Crawford, Abbott, McNaughton, Le, Mhurchu and Ball, 2017).

The company participates in creating a better life for the individuals. The outlets of the company are situated in many places so that the products can be easily available to the consumers.  The rules and responsibility are essential to be considered so that the activities can be operated smoothly.  If the company does not work according to the rules and regulations imposed by the government, then it is difficult to survive in the competitive environment. Proper strategies should be taken into consideration for attaining goodwill in the market and to attain overall profitability (Hill, Jones and Schilling, 2014).  

Cooperation should be maintained between the employees and the workers of the organization. If cooperation is there in the organization then it can give positive outcome on the overall operations of Cole’s supermarkets. Employee involvements are essential to consider the practices of CSR. If CSR practices are taken into consideration then the image of the organization can be enhanced in an effective way.

As CSR activities help the stakeholders and the company to maintain proper relations with the customers. If the company does not give focus on CSR activities then it cannot be possible to attain overall objectives and goals.  Cole’s supermarket can attain profitability when the image of the company is good in the market and the customers are satisfied with the services offered in a proper manner (Piazza and Castellucci, 2014).

Conclusion 

By analyzing the report it is concluded that it is essential to consider CSR activities.   However, the organization can retain employees by giving proper training. CSR is essential as it helps to maintain proper relation with the customers. For Cole’s supermarket, the satisfaction level of the customers and stakeholder is essential. 

References 

Geisler, E., & Wickramasinghe, N. (2015). Principles of knowledge management: Theory, practice, and cases. Routledge.

Hill, C. W., Jones, G. R., & Schilling, M. A. (2014). Strategic management: theory: an integrated approach. Cengage Learning.

Kipping, M., & Üsdiken, B. (2014). History in organization and management theory: More than meets the eye. Academy of Management Annals, 8(1), 535-588.

Lewis, T., & Huber, A. (2015). A revolution in an eggcup? Supermarket wars, celebrity chefs and ethical consumption. Food, Culture & Society, 18(2), 289-307.

Meyers, M. C., & van Woerkom, M. (2014). The influence of underlying philosophies on talent management: Theory, implications for practice, and research agenda. Journal of World Business, 49(2), 192-203.

Olstad, D. L., Crawford, D. A., Abbott, G., McNaughton, S. A., Le, H. N., Mhurchu, C. N., … & Ball, K. (2017). The impact of financial incentives on participants’ food purchasing patterns in a supermarket-based randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 14(1), 115.

Piazza, A., & Castellucci, F. (2014). Status in organization and management theory. Journal of Management, 40(1), 287-315.

Schlegelmilch, B. B. (2016). Global Marketing Ethics and CSR. In Global Marketing Strategy (pp. 195-220). Springer International Publishing.

Shafritz, J. M., Ott, J. S., & Jang, Y. S. (2015). Classics of organization theory. Cengage Learning.

Waring, S. P. (2016). Taylorism transformed: Scientific management theory since 1945. UNC Press Books.

Zarkada-Fraser, A., & Fraser, C. (2015). Integrating social and economic orientated marketing: A study of retail management. In Proceedings of the 2000 Academy of Marketing Science (AMS) Annual Conference (pp. 219-223). Springer, Cham.