KMX6

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Kenyatta University *

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MANAGERIAL

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Nov 24, 2024

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Discussion and Reflection Week Six University of the Cumberland's Kavya Laxmi Mondrati 28 th November 2023
Reflection Chapter 15 on Sustainability and the Natural Environment, which explores the intricate relationship between business practices and environmental sustainability, was particularly intriguing. The chapter provided a comprehensive overview of how businesses can integrate sustainable practices into their operations, considering the broader impact on the natural environment. The emphasis on the triple bottom line – incorporating economic, social, and environmental considerations – underscored the importance of a holistic approach to business decision-making. Learning about specific strategies, such as eco-friendly product development and waste reduction, deepened my understanding of the practical steps businesses can take to contribute positively to the environment while maintaining financial viability ( Carroll et al., 2017). Moving on to Chapter 16, Business and Community Stakeholders, I found the discussion on the interconnectedness between businesses and their communities enlightening. The chapter delved into the diverse array of stakeholders beyond shareholders, including local communities, and highlighted the reciprocal relationship between business success and community well-being. The exploration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and their impact on community development was particularly noteworthy. Understanding how businesses can contribute to social welfare while benefiting from positive community relations added a layer of depth to my appreciation for the ethical dimensions of corporate practices. These chapters collectively reinforced that successful and responsible business practices align with environmental sustainability and positive community engagement ( Carroll et al., 2017). Graduate Level Response
Environmental issues have garnered significant global attention, with several critical concerns at the forefront. Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges, marked by rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruptions. Biodiversity loss is another critical issue, with habitats shrinking and species facing extinction due to human activities ( Alston & Besthorn, 2012). Pollution, encompassing air, water, and soil pollution, remains a pervasive problem, adversely affecting human health and the environment. Deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion and logging, contributes to habitat destruction and exacerbates climate change. Additionally, resource depletion threatens sustainability, including the overexploitation of water, minerals, and fossil fuels. Finally, plastic pollution has become a widespread environmental concern, contaminating oceans and terrestrial environments and impacting wildlife ( Zelenski et al., 2015). Regarding the responsibility of a business to employees and community stakeholders in business- or plant-closing decisions, ethical considerations play a pivotal role. Firstly, a business has a moral obligation to its employees, who have invested their time and skills to contribute to its success. A closure decision can profoundly affect their livelihoods, making it essential for the business to prioritize fair treatment, provide adequate notice, and offer support services such as retraining or severance packages. Additionally, community stakeholders, including residents and businesses, often depend on the economic activity generated by the company. A sudden closure can have cascading effects, leading to unemployment, economic downturns, and social challenges. Thus, businesses are responsible for considering the broader impact of their decisions on the community and working proactively to minimize negative consequences ( Lawrence & Weber, 2020). Moreover, businesses should recognize that community stakeholders contribute to the company's overall success and reputation. Maintaining positive relationships with the community fosters a supportive environment for the business. Ethical conduct in business
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decisions, including closures, helps build trust and goodwill. A socially responsible approach aligns with corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles, acknowledging that businesses operate within a broader social context. By considering the well-being of employees and the community, a business can contribute to developing a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship, fulfilling its role as a responsible corporate citizen ( Shet , 2020). In conclusion, as the world grapples with pressing environmental concerns, businesses find themselves at the intersection of global challenges and ethical imperatives. The urgent attention given to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution necessitates a concerted effort towards sustainability. Simultaneously, the responsibility of businesses extends beyond profit-driven decisions to encompass ethical considerations, particularly in instances of closures. Prioritizing fair treatment of employees and recognizing the broader impact on communities aligns with corporate social responsibility principles and fosters resilience and long-term success. In navigating the complex environmental and ethical responsibilities landscape, businesses stand poised to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and equitable future ( Carroll et al., 2017).
Reference Alston, M., & Besthorn, F. (2012). Environment and sustainability. The Sage handbook of international social work , 56-69. Carroll, A. B., Brown, J., & Buchholtz, A. K. (2017). Business & Society: Ethics, Sustainability & Stakeholder Management. Cengage Learning. Lawrence, A. T., & Weber, J. (2020). Business and society: Stakeholders, ethics, public policy . McGraw-Hill. Sheth, J. (2020). Business of business is more than business: Managing during the Covid crisis. Industrial Marketing Management , 88 , 261-264. Zelenski, J. M., Dopko, R. L., & Capaldi, C. A. (2015). Cooperation is in our nature: Nature exposure may promote cooperative and environmentally sustainable behavior. Journal of environmental psychology , 42 , 24-31.