Sustainable Business Management: The Role of Standardisation

Abstract

Theoretical justifications related to voluntary standards at international, European and national levels as ‘soft’ regulators in the field of sustainable management of organisations are considered. The conceptual framework of the study is based on the overall standardisation process, going through the first phase of ‘Standards setting’ and the subsequent phase of ‘Standards implementation’ with the participation of stakeholders from the sustainable management of organisations. A methodology for empirical research on attitudes towards the implementation of sustainable management of organisations in the light of the setting and implementation of standards as ‘soft’ regulators among stakeholders has been developed. The content analysis of the conducted ‘in-depth’ interviews has allowed to outline the main categories according to the process model of standardisation. Three main models of standardisation for sustainable management have been identified: ‘de jure’ standards of standard-setting organisations, market-based ‘de facto’ standards and legal standards based on government policies and measures. The correspondence between the revealed models and the implementation of the sustainable standards by the respondents depending on their affiliation to the respective stakeholder group has been established. In conclusion, opportunities have been identified to improve the implementation of standards as a voluntary tool for achieving sustainable business management.