In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the topic of sustainability, as the effects of climate change are being felt internationally by numerous stakeholders. Due to climate change and the scarcity of resources, the European Union has also published regulations and directives to reduce or minimize the consequences of these developments. This master thesis deals with the relevant regulations and directives, such as the ESRS Regulation, the CSRD Directive, the EU Taxonomy and the Green Deal. The Companies must deal with the challenges of the new regulations and make adjustments by taking ESG criteria into account at all levels of the company and implementing them in their corporate strategy and business principles. This master's thesis describes the basic strategy process of companies as well as the various regulations and guidelines. The aim is to answer two central research questions. The first research question focuses on how the ESG aspects can be integrated and anchored in the strategy process and in the overall corporate strategy. The second research question deals with the challenges that arise when integrating challenges that can arise when integrating ESG aspects into companies and what potential solutions to these challenges. These research questions will be answered by a literature review and an empirical study. In these interviews with experts will be conducted and analysed. The central findings are that ESG criteria can be integrated into the entire strategy process and that all company levels, especially the management level, should be involved in this process. A clear corporate commitment is essential for the application and integration of ESG aspects in order to anchor them in the corporate strategy. This can also prevent internal conflicts and reduce implementation problems. In addition, ESG integration in companies incurs costs, which are not yet accepted by some market participants. Nevertheless, both the literature and the interviewees described ESG criteria as gaining in importance among stakeholders in the long term and becoming a decisive factor in the selection of suppliers and customers. Companies should use these developments as an opportunity to differentiate themselves in order to secure long-term advantages and position themselves in international competition
Date of Award | 2024 |
---|
Original language | German (Austria) |
---|
Supervisor | Christoph Eisl (Supervisor) |
---|
Herausforderungen und Lösungsansätze zur Integration von Nachhaltigkeitsaspekten in die Unternehmensstrategie von österreichischen Industrieunternehmen
Breitenberger, C. (Author). 2024
Student thesis: Master's Thesis