Procurement risks now include the possibility of someone in the supply chain flouting international labour laws, causing unnecessary damage to the environment or acting in other socially irresponsible ways. These risks are ‘high-impact’. Nike, which faced a storm of protest following sweat-shop scandals in the 1990s, is just one company to have discovered this. Management […]
Subject: Sustainability
Premium Pricing Socially Responsible Products
Companies are making and selling socially responsible products, hoping to benefit from the social conscious of their customers. Previous research on what customers are willing to pay for social responsibility has been mixed — while in many cases, the studies confirm the opportunity for a significant premium, a smaller number of researchers have found little […]
Read More… from Premium Pricing Socially Responsible Products
Innovation and External ‘Clusters’ in Emerging Markets
A growing body of literature demonstrates the positive impact of regional clusters and networks on innovation. Including links to government agencies and research institutes as well as to similar companies and their distributors and suppliers, intra-cluster ties (ICTs) are seen as a gateway to technical know-how, trade contacts and capital for small businesses. They encourage […]
Read More… from Innovation and External ‘Clusters’ in Emerging Markets
The Green Investment Gap – And How to Close It
Although global investment in renewable energy has grown significantly since the start of this century, it remains below the level needed to meet Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing CO2 emissions, according to renewable energy advocates. (Investment slightly decreased in 2012.) Portfolios that do include renewables tend to be weighted towards ‘mature’ technologies such as onshore […]
Read More… from The Green Investment Gap – And How to Close It
Family Business Ownership and the Next Generation
There is a hotel in Japan — Houshi Ryokan — that has been run by the same family for approximately 1,300 years. Forty generations have managed to maintain control of the business, epitomizing what IESE Business School’s Josep Tàpies and Lucía Ceja refer to as “psychological ownership.” In their article published in IESE Insight, Tàpies […]
Read More… from Family Business Ownership and the Next Generation
Green Light for Governance
Recent years have seen company stakeholders demand better environmental performance, particularly by businesses in polluting industries. Whether it is consumer pressure for green products, media pressure for a green approach or government pressure to stick to green regulations, leaders must take action. The degree to which they respond – or not – appears to hinge […]