Integrating Internal Sustainability Management Strategies for Corporate Social Responsibility Statements and Sustainability Policies

Abstract

Gresham, Smith and Partners, (“GS&P”) is one of the largest design firms in the United States. The firm celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2017 and has a portfolio that reflects the depth of its diverse and broad disciplines with a vision focused on “building value with clients, the firm’s professionals, and the world.” The company dedicates itself the to practice of social, economic and environmental stewardship for the betterment staff and our communities; however, GS&P does not currently have an overarching sustainability strategy focused on internal operations. In order to fill this gap, this research strives to capture an understanding of perceptions, attitudes, and priorities of GS&P associates, managers, and executives with regard to sustainable operations. Insights gathered through the creation and distribution of GS&P administrative and office manager surveys, formal interviews with key informants across the firm, along with a survey of current trends within other organizations and formal interviews with practice leaders at leading companies, will be used to develop key components of a long-term internal sustainability management strategy.