Read Now Ethical Transformations for a Sustainable Future: Peace and Policy PDF
This book explores the behaviors of hoteliers in the Paris region concerning the adherence to ecolabels and EMS's (Environment Management System) schemes and proposes solutions to correct the asymmetries between hotel groups and small, independent hotels regarding the procurement of these labels. The Hospitality Industry is a powerhouse in terms of people and capital movements, but the downside is worrying and demands proactive management systems in order to curb the many negative externalities associated with the industry’s activities, which can ultimately destroy the very source of its revenues: the natural and cultural heritage of tourist hotspots.Many businesses and countries are still influenced by the short-termed view justified by Milton Friedman’s shareholder theory. According to Friedman’s view, the only and one social responsibility of companies is to create value (profits) for its shareholders. This is basically the Aristotelian concept of pleonexia applied to business: the winner takes it all.Conversely, as climate change accelerates and disrupts ways of life and business models, this mentality might soon enough shift towards Edward Freeman’s view, which states that companies should manage for stakeholders, primary and secondary alike. According to Freeman, the value must be created for all stakeholders within business ecosystems, which demands high levels of reporting and accountability. In such a scenario there’s no place for irresponsible companies, alienated from the zeitgeist. Managing stakeholders, giving them a voice and role, balancing their needs and including them in decision-making processes results in a 360° perspective, which is crucial for survival in a VUCA world.Companies of all sizes should adopt this holistic view in their strategy, otherwise, they might not see the tidal wave arrive: from a set of small, apparently isolated observations it’s possible to forecast many possible scenarios, and like organic creatures, businesses also don’t operate alone: they must go beyond the relationship with debt holders (customers, financiers, suppliers) and foster strong relationships also with all stakeholders, based on trust and transparency. A sustainable company is the inevitable result of this new ethics. And a sustainable company of today is the thriving company of tomorrow. Thie value of this book is to emphasize the role of these strong relationships as an essential competitive lever in a VUCA world: relationships and partnerships allow companies to build resilience and identify opportunities through the broadening of their scope: instead of limiting their focus to immediate financial gains and creating value solely for shareholders (a short-termed vision), the winning companies will be those able to relate to a great number of stakeholders, understand them, create value for them.
