ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Leadership roles focused on environmental and social responsibility (ESR) are on the rise. Woxsen University School of Business associate dean Debdutta Choudhury and director of research Rajat Gera look at how business schools can incorporate ESR topics into their programmes and help graduates develop the necessary attributes to thrive in their future careers
T he world of environmental and social responsibility (ESR) is becoming increasingly important, as businesses realise the significance of sustainable practices and ethics in their operations. Companies are striving to balance profitability with social and environmental impact and this calls for a specific set of business management skills. Business school graduates will need, in particular, to develop a distinct set of attributes in order to pursue a successful career in ESR, as well as to understand how these skills contribute to broader sustainability and responsible business goals. Graduate attributes to focus on Strategic thinking and planning : To excel in ESR, one must be a strategic thinker. This means creating long‑term sustainable plans. Graduates need to understand how business strategies, environmental concerns and societal impacts are all connected. Having the ability to develop comprehensive ESR strategies that align with a company’s overall mission is crucial. Strategic thinkers can identify opportunities for sustainable growth and innovative solutions that benefit both the business and the environment. Sustainability management: ESR experts must have a deep understanding of sustainability principles and how they can be integrated into business practices. This entails knowledge relating to environmental regulations, carbon footprint reduction, circular economy concepts and resource efficiency. Graduates also need to be able to measure and communicate sustainability metrics effectively to show the impact of a business’ ESR efforts. Stakeholder engagement and communication: The ability to communicate well and engage stakeholders is crucial in ESR roles. In particular, graduates should be skilled at explaining the
importance of sustainable practices to groups such as employees, customers, investors and the wider community. Good communication builds trust, gains support and fosters a shared commitment to ESR goals. Ethical leadership: Leaders in ESR must lead by example and inspire their teams to do the same. Ethical leadership involves making decisions that prioritise social and environmental wellbeing alongside financial success. Graduates must therefore be ready to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and maintain transparency and accountability in their decision-making. Data analysis and interpretation: Being proficient in collecting, analysing and interpreting data is another must for ESR professionals. Data-driven insights help identify trends, measure progress and make informed decisions. Expertise in this area will allow graduates to assess the impact of ESR initiatives accurately and adjust strategies as needed. Cross-functional collaboration: ESR initiatives often require collaboration across various departments in an organisation, so graduates should excel at working with diverse teams to incorporate sustainability practices into different aspects of a business. Innovation and problem-solving: To thrive in an ESR role, graduates will need to be innovative thinkers who can come up with creative solutions to complex challenges. They should also be open to exploring new technologies, processes and business models that promote profitability and sustainability. Programme design
These skills should enable graduates with an interest in pursuing ESR careers to navigate the complex intersection of business and sustainability, drive positive change and
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Business Impact • ISSUE 4 • 2023
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