Understanding CSR and sustainability integration patterns into the corporate governance and organisational processes of a ship management company: a case study

Abstract

In recent years there has been a growing use of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development concepts, both as international policy frameworks and as self-regulating business models. The International Maritime Organization, guided by its recent commitment to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, has acknowledged and encouraged the engagement of these principles to the shipping industry. However, the literature review showed some limited research to their practical application and understanding at the ship management level. Through an adopted case study strategy and applied content analysis method, this paper explores how CSR and sustainable development are integrated and diffused into the corporate governance structure and organizational processes of a shipping company. The results underscore the extensive handling of aspects of CSR and sustainable development throughout company’s strategy and organizational processes. However, company issues falling within fair operating practices and areas of community involvement do appear to be lagging behind.