Is the economy vs. nature a false choice?

Most of us can agree that humans are dependent on the environment.  However, there is considerable disagreement on a business’ responsibility to the environment.  Acceptance of responsibility for environmental ethics is demonstrated through the development of a corporate environmental strategy. An example is the environmental strategy of Marriott International: “Both in our hotels and beyond, we seek to understand and act on the direct and indirect environmental impacts of our business operations.” Companies operating across the globe, regardless of size, must make such a strategy part of their business model in order to protect the natural resources they use to make a profit.

But the intersection of environment and business is all about human choices. What do you feel is the relationship between humans and Nature?   What responsibilities- if any- do managers have to secure that the environment is “present” in business decisions?

• Is the economy vs. nature a false choice?
• Is exploring the topic a privilege of “1st world” nations? And are other nations’ businesses and economies disadvantaged by 1st world concerns?
• Managers are stewards of their organization.  If the company damages the environment, how much responsibility is born by the lower-level managers?  What responsibilities do managers have in securing that their company promote the environment? – if any-Most of us can agree that humans are dependent on the environment.  However, there is considerable disagreement on a business’ responsibility to the environment.  Acceptance of responsibility for environmental ethics is demonstrated through the development of a corporate environmental strategy. An example is the environmental strategy of Marriott International: “Both in our hotels and beyond, we seek to understand and act on the direct and indirect environmental impacts of our business operations.” Companies operating across the globe, regardless of size, must make such a strategy part of their business model in order to protect the natural resources they use to make a profit.

  But the intersection of environment and business is all about human choices. What do you feel is the relationship between humans and Nature?   What responsibilities- if any- do managers have to secure that the environment is “present” in business decisions?

  • Is the economy vs. nature a false choice?
  • Is exploring the topic a privilege of “1st world” nations? And are other nations’ businesses and economies disadvantaged by 1st world concerns?
  • Managers are stewards of their organization.  If the company damages the environment, how much responsibility is born by the lower-level managers?  What responsibilities do managers have in securing that their company promote the environment? – if any-