Title: Successful green-based initiatives among large corporate entities: a case study from a stakeholder perspective

Authors: Alan D. Smith

Addresses: Department of Management and Marketing, Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3099, USA

Abstract: CSR and green-based strategies have become important concepts in dealing with firms' stakeholders. Two relatively large firms that were selected to study were Pittsburgh-based, namely PNC, a major financial service provider, and CONSOL, the leading diversified fuel producer in the Eastern USA. By pursuing leaner and greener operations, management at these companies has developed a better corporate image and higher profit via promoting triple-line reporting and financial responsibilities. Improved environmental, health, and safety performance can help with plant productivity and also increase sales and market share. It is extremely important to stay in line with regulations, including hazardous waste and pollutants. The present study focuses on these green processes via stakeholder legitimacy and interest detection. Strategic alignment with green initiatives can result in significant and sustainable results in companies studied as they have shown that they are adaptive and align their people and the planet with their profits.

Keywords: case study; corporate social responsibility; CSR; management; global recession; economic sustainability; strategy; triple-line reporting; USA; United States; sustainable development; lean operations; green operations; corporate image; environmental performance; health performance; safety performance; plant productivity; green initiatives.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2013.050564

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2013 Vol.14 No.1, pp.95 - 114

Published online: 31 Jul 2013 *

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