Date of Graduation

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Economics

Advisor/Mentor

Cummings, Shaughan

Abstract

Abstract: Over the years, society has become more aware of the impact they leave on the environment. For this reason, many are wondering what can be done to curb their footprint, and research has shown that customers now more than ever are demanding more sustainable goods. The aim of this paper is to provide an in-depth analysis of the relationship between corporate social responsibility, consumer desires, and sustainability as a competitive advantage. I will first discuss the history and present factors surrounding environmental problems, in particular marine plastic pollution, we face today. I will define microplastics and marine plastics and discuss their impact on the environment. Next, I will explain what corporations are doing to reduce plastic use. Then I will analyze public opinion surrounding sustainable goods, the cost of sustainability efforts, and the cost of corporate social responsibility. Through my analysis of corporate social responsibility as a competitive advantage, I postulate that many corporations, like Adidas, see the demand for more sustainable and eco-friendly goods by consumers as a new way to gain consumers’ favor and have a competitive advantage.

Keywords

corporate social responsibility; sustainability; competitive advantage; marine plastics; service learning

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