Employee Engagement with Sustainable Business by Exter, Nadine;

Short description:

This book will provide insight, examples and advice on the different types of employees who are, and can, contribute to a sustainable world via the organisation they work for: what they are doing from within the organisation to contribute to societal, economic and environmental sustainability.

Long description:

Sustainability is, and continues to grow as, a key issue for organizations: in the board room; with investors, customers and regulators; and from employees whose demands on organizations include improving their social and environmental performance in return for loyalty and commitment. However, as well as employees being a driver for organizations to embrace corporate sustainability, employees are also one of the most critical assets in enabling an organisation to understand and be able to deliver to its economic, social and environmental responsibilities.

Research shows that employees of all types are vital in the pursuit of sustainability, however, to date there is no one source that shows all of these identified types of employees and how they are involved in the sustainability process. This book fills that gap with interviews and case studies for each type of employee, as well as up-to-date research and analysis of the critical role of ‘social intrapreneurs’ and leaders within organisations. The book uses real life examples along with the latest research in an informative and accessible style. Management theory is used throughout – such as motivation, leadership skills and organisational behaviour – but this is discussed through examples, rather than in a theoretical manner.

This book will provide insight, examples and advice on the different types of employees who are, and can, contribute to a sustainable world via the organisation they work for: what they are doing from within the organization to contribute to societal, economic and environmental sustainability.

‘This book provides critical insight and best practices into how to inspire, equip and harness leaders and colleagues as passionate ambassadors and changemakers for the sustainable business of the future … both theory and practical cases enable the reader to consider the critical levers for building sustainability into the mindset and DNA of the organization.’ – Lauren Iannarone, Head of Citizenship, Barclays Bank plc

‘Employees: the missing link in too many company sustainability strategies, except when it comes to energy efficiency and recycling. But they can be the rocket fuel in successful corporate initiatives. Nadine Exter shows how.’ – John Elkington, a world authority on corporate responsibility and sustainable development, Founding Partner & Executive Chairman of Volans, author of Zeronauts

‘Change is often instigated from above by a single charismatic leader. However, for change to become permanent it is necessary for a mass of committed, innovative people to make it their own. This book is an overdue ‘tip of the hat’ to all those who roll their sleeves up and make things happen.’ – Paul Monaghan, Director, Up the Ethics, and former Head of Ethics and Sustainability at the Co-operative Group

‘Finally, a book that can help us avoid the apocalypse described at its outset. Through the actions and social entrepreneurship—the difference making—of individuals in companies, the unsung heroes, sustainability specialists, social intrapreneurs, champions, and godparents, Nadine Exter offers us much needed hope that individual actions can make a huge difference in creating a world that all of our grandchildren can still live well in.’ – Sandra Waddock MA, MBA, DBA, Galligan Chair of Strategy and Professor of Management, Carroll School Scholar of Corporate Responsibility, Carroll School of Management, Boston College, USA

"The book gives valuable advice on how to engage employees with sustainable business. It has the potential to expand your thought process and take you to the next level on the journey to become a truly sustainable company." – thinktosustain.com

Table of Contents:

Introduction: You too can make a difference  1. An Introduction to Academic Theory 2. Unsung Heroes 3. Corporate Sustainability Specialists  4. Social Intrapreneurs  5. The Sustainability Champion  6. The Sustainability Godparent  7. Final Thoughts