| Business activity depends on access to financial, physical, and human resources. Many studies indicate a need to carefully manage these resources, whether in the name of risk management, social responsibility, or, more recently, sustainability. Studies have been published that highlight the considerable business success of those who do. Some of these works focus on the motives for taking this "triple bottom line" approach, and others discuss organizational strategies toward that end. What has not been thoroughly examined is the way such companies make strategic level decisions. This study clarifies the factors surrounding the decision making process in firms that are successfully moving towards environmentally and socially sustainable business models. The findings will assist organizations seeking to move in this direction.; This study examined decision making in five diverse local business organizations committed to valuing environmental and social concerns in concert with financial viability. The research methodology was grounded theory design, a qualitative, inductive, systems approach that is well suited to studying processes within complex environments. Data are tightly bound to context. Results feature direct quotations from the transcripts of twenty interviews and observations from seven group decision making processes.; Through the grounded theory constant comparative analysis, a core phenomenon called operationalizing values through decisions was identified. Using the Strauss and Corbin scientific axial coding paradigm mapping method, sixteen categories were identified under five specific classifications that included causal conditions, context (internal), intervening conditions (external), actions/interactions (strategies), and consequences/outcomes. Example categories include: "organizational mission that includes non-financial aspects," "leadership that provides a supportive framework," "self image of a learning organization," "respect & trust," and "patience." Should organizations seeking to operate in more sustainable ways fail to possess these organizational characteristics, or lack an understanding of the prerequisite role each plays, the likelihood of achieving gains is diminished. |
