Thesis

Investigating the role of corporate social responsibility in achieving a sustainable shipping industry in the aftermath of United Nations 2030 Agenda

Creator
Rights statement
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2020
Thesis identifier
  • T15693
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201759886
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a concept that has been, gradually, grown and applied to the business world. Although not new to today's business setting, though, still remains difficult to be precisely defined. Broadly, it is assumed that CSR derives from the expectations the society has from enterprises. The term of sustainable development became first known in 'Our Common Future' report, published by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) in 1987.;Though, a remarkable evolution took place at the UN Conference, in September 2015, where the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals adopted. Although several studies have been undertaken to illuminate perceptions and practices between CSR and sustainable development in other industries, however, no significant research has yet been undertaken in the tanker and dry bulk maritime context. Especially, in the aftermath of United Nations 2030 Agenda.;As a result, the relationship between CSR and sustainable development remains somehow unexplored. To fill this gap, the present study investigated perceptions, attitudes, drivers, barriers and the relationship between CSR and sustainable development as experienced by shipping companies operating in the tanker and dry bulk shipping sector. To achieve the study aims an overall quantitative approach was adopted. Literature review led to the formulation of six hypotheses, which were tested using data collected by a questionnaire survey. 50 tanker and dry bulk companies, based in 14 countries participated.;Study results indicated that CSR and sustainability awareness and implementation in the tanker and dry shipping sector is at a growing state. Shipping companies have been increasingly responding to latest global regulatory developments and seem to be well adapted. Moreover, stakeholders appeared to exercise a positive influence in maritime companies' decision to adopt CSR. Though, CSR is seen as a voluntary business model, namely, the vehicle to deal with latest sustainability challenges. An integrated management system approach was rated as the most preferred tactic to embrace CSR and achieve sustainability into maritime operations.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Kurt, Rafet Emek
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2020
Former identifier
  • 9912927892002996

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