Results of sustainability survey revealed

Tuesday, 10 August 2004, 10:25 am
Press Release: Sustainable Business Network

Mon, 9 Aug 2004

Results of sustainability survey revealed - over 800 businesses were surveyed by the Waikato Manangement School to find out what sustainability means to them and what they are doing about it. Dr Eva Collins presents key findings from the survey at the Bay of Plenty Sustainable Business Network AGM on Monday 16th August, 5pm at the Mount Ocean Sports Club on Salisbury Ave, Mount Maunganui. Visit www.sustainable.org.nz/bayofplenty for more details.

Sustainability Practices of NZ Businesses The first benchmarking survey of sustainable business practices in New Zealand has revealed surprising findings about perceptions, motivations and extent of business' involvement in their communities.

The findings of this study highlight that businesses in New Zealand are actively engaged in both environmental practices and even more so in social practices relating to community and employees. The majority of firms have given time and money to local community projects, and over two thirds contribute to charities. Fifty seven per cent consider diversity in hiring decisions.

Half the respondents have 'family-friendly' policies. Three-quarters provide on the job training, and almost half provide assistance to staff to gain tertiary education. Social practices related to community and employee welfare were widespread even though firms reported less external pressure to adopt them compared to environmental practices. Businesses received significant internal pressure from employees to adopt social practices.

The results of this survey did not show a compliance-oriented motivation to adopt sustainable practices.

ENDS

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