Sustainable business strategies: what you think is what you do?

Abstract

Considering the perspective of the triple bottom line (TBL) concept, cities create conditions that enhance the economic, social and environmental aspects. Among the determinants that affect the business, we can include the concept of corporate sustainability resulting from the concept of globally oriented sustainable development. Sustainable development is the issue of the moment in the business world and how companies should be guided to meet stakeholders demands and assess social, economic and environmental impacts. Health and Safety at Work and sustainability can’t be dissociated, with a common focus on the idea of meeting human needs, as well as the systemic perspective of the interdependence and interrelationship between human activities and all the surrounding systems. The aim of this study is to develop and apply a systematic data collection instrument to evaluate the perception and actions developed by the companies of Guimarães Marca in relation to sustainability and sustainable development. The data allow us to infer that the perception and behavior of organizations regarding sustainability and its benefits are positive.