The Triple Bottom Line
One of the topics becoming increasingly popular in my graduate operations management classes is the concept of the “triple bottom line” as it relates to the study of sustainability. The TBL advocates for economic prosperity, social responsibility, and ecological stewardship.
I ask students to write a 4-5 page position paper (along with at least 5 references and related citations!) on whether sustainability is a fad or sound business practice. I’ve assigned this paper for several years now and I can see a shift of opinions that it was nothing more than a fad to one that shows that sustainability is becoming part of many corporate cultures.
Through the use of this assignment students are discovering that their companies do indeed have organized and successful sustainability programs and often the students take advantage of becoming involved with these efforts. I am also noticing that there is more and more literature on the subject, especially around sustainability and the supply chain.
When I ask the students at the end of the course to identify the one thing that they found most valuable, they often mention the concept of triple bottom line sustainability. Good to be relevant!
So my question to you: Is sustainability a fad or sound business practice? No college credit offered for your answer…but no tuition charged either! Post a comment here.
MR commented:
I definitely do not think it's just a fad. With the number of
businesses that are turning their focus to the triple bottom line
approach, it seems as though it is only a matter of time before it
becomes the norm. Even banks like New Resource Bank, ShoreBank and
e3bank (who I just happen to be lucky enough to work with) are
looking to the triple bottom line approach as a way to ensure that
we do not repeat our recent mistakes.
AW commented:
It cannot be a fad...our planet cannot afford it! If anything, at
this moment,when supply chains are still not fully geared to
sustainability and we are hit with such difficult times, one would
tend to think that people would try to cut corners more...if your
students (assuming they are working people) are convinced it's not
a fad, when times get better, then surely more resources and
attention will go into it. Sustainability will become "normal"
practice, as is already the case in some leading companies
