Sustainability
Numbers 35:33-34: "You shall not pollute the land in which you live... you shall not defile the land in which you live, in which I also dwell."
Sustainability is the concept of operating without a negative economic, environmental, and social impact; the triple bottom line. This implies managing resources in a way that ensures continuity and does not deprive others and the future generations of valuable resources.
Over this module we watched a couple of videos. The fire in the blood video addressed how pharmaceutical companies were selling AIDS drugs at enormous prices to people in third world countries thereby depriving them of a chance for treatment.
The story of stuff addressed how the world uses resources and creates wastes in a detrimental way to the environment by the use of synthetic chemicals, production of goods that become obsolete quickly, and release of toxins in the environments. It also mentions of how developing countries have to pay the price by giving up their rights and good health for developing countries.
The video above offers four ways we can ensure sustainability
1. Reduce dependence on fossil fuels and heavy metals
2. Reduce dependence on synthetic chemicals
3. Reduce destruction of nature
4. Ensure that we are not stopping people from meeting their needs.
These four tips tie into the issues raised in the videos watched. They offer a comprehensive solution that ties the triple bottom line of sustainability, because they are all connected.
THE MBA OATH
As a business leader I recognize my role in society.
• My purpose is to lead people and manage resources tocreate value that no single individual can create alone.
• My decisions affect the well-being of individualsinside and outside my enterprise, today and tomorrow.
Therefore, I promise that:
• I will manage my enterprise with loyalty and care,and will not advance my personal interests at the expense of anotherindividual, my enterprise or society.
• I will understand and uphold, in letter and spirit,the laws and contracts governing my conduct and that of my enterprise.
• I will refrain from corruption, unfair competition,or business practices harmful to society.
• I will protect the human rights and dignity of allpeople affected by my enterprise, and I will oppose discrimination andexploitation.
• I will protect the right of future generations toadvance their standard of living and enjoy a healthy planet.
• I will report the performance and risks of myenterprise accurately and honestly.
• I will invest in developing myself and others,helping the management profession continue to advance and create sustainableand inclusive prosperity.
In exercising my professional duties according to theseprinciples, I recognize that my behavior must set an example of integrity,eliciting trust and esteem from those I serve. I will remain accountable to mypeers and to society for my actions and for upholding these standards.
This oath I make freely, and uponmy honor.
SIGNED______________________________________________
Above is a copy of the MBA Oath created by Harvard University, which aims to make students aware of their responsibilities to their society and economy.
Lesson:
The lesson from this topic of sustainability is that we, as individuals, all have a moral responsibility to manage our God given resources, and also conduct ourselves in ways that are beneficial to our society and planet as a whole. Likewise, companies have a Corporate Social Responsibility as well, meaning they have a duty to all stakeholders to be accountable for their actions.
