Exploring the Involvement of Works Councils in Environmental Sustainability Reporting A qualitative inquiry on how works councils are involved in environmental sustainability reporting Janne Goossens S1003533 Master’s Thesis (MAN-MTHODA) Master Business Administration - Organisational Design and Development Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen 2022/2023 Supervisors: 1st dr. J.R.O. Bartosch (Julia) 2nd dr. S. Schembera (Stefan) 23rd of
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2023-07-13
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en
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This thesis explores how works councils are involved in environmental sustainability reporting. Although academic research has recognised the importance of involving works councils in environmental sustainability reporting, their role is still in its infancy (Cremers, 2013). Only little attention is paid to how works councils are involved in environmental sustainability reporting (Aguilera et al., 2021). Therefore, companies are struggling with how to involve works councils as well which hinders an increase in quality and content of the reported data (Fortanier et al., 2011). Consequently, this research aims at gaining a better understanding of how works councils are involved in environmental sustainability reporting. In order to do so, qualitative abductive research is conducted at a pharmaceutical company. Nine semi-structured interviews have been conducted with environmental specialists and members of the works council. The Gioia method was used to classify the raw data and structure the analysis.
Four main dimensions were determined regarding the involvement of works councils in environmental sustainability reporting: current involvement, potential involvement, drivers and barriers. The current involvement by works councils specifically revolves around interactions within the works council and mutual interactions with environmental specialists. Subsequently, several potential ways in which works councils can get involved more were mentioned in the interviews. As indicated by the research findings, multiple drivers and barriers influence the involvement of works councils in environmental sustainability reporting. This thesis advances knowledge about ways in which works councils can get involved and drivers and barriers influencing the involvement. Directions for further research include research in different contexts, research including executive managers as interview respondents and examining ways to deal with and overcome the barriers.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen