strategic approach to corporate sustainability
Woolworths’ Limited – Strategic and Operational Approaches to Corporate Sustainability
Executive Summary
Woolworths Limited is one of Australia’s largest retailers with a presence in food, liquor, hotels, gaming, general merchandise, hardware, consumer finance and electronics. The company has a 90 year history of growth and innovation and has had a record of social responsibility along the way demonstrated with its support of community and charity organisations. Further to this the company has adopted rigorous environmental standards and recognised its position as one of the largest companies in the Australian market. It has incorporated a system of environmental checks and balances, and used its powerful market position to ensure suppliers are also adhering to similar rigid environmental checks and balances. All the while the company has made sound and successful financial decisions which have seen it grow from humble beginnings to its place as a top 20 Australian company by capitalisation and top retailer in the Australian and New Zealand market place.
Despite its proactive response to the environmental and social impacts of its business, Woolworths has come under considerable pressure from media and other stakeholder groups over its pressure on growers and suppliers. The company has also been criticised about its “predatory” industry practices which has seen many smaller local businesses out of business due to the very competitive nature of Woolworths and its rapid expansion. Woolworths has a sound CS policy and strategy in place, however it may benefit from a more focussed brand and reputation management strategy which may address some of these criticisms before decisions are made on the execution of such strategies.
Table of Contents
Woolworths’ Limited – Strategic and Operational Approaches to Corporate Sustainability 1
Executive Summary 1
Table of Contents 2
Introduction 3
Woolworths Strategic and Operational Approaches 5
Executive Summary
Woolworths Limited is one of Australia’s largest retailers with a presence in food, liquor, hotels, gaming, general merchandise, hardware, consumer finance and electronics. The company has a 90 year history of growth and innovation and has had a record of social responsibility along the way demonstrated with its support of community and charity organisations. Further to this the company has adopted rigorous environmental standards and recognised its position as one of the largest companies in the Australian market. It has incorporated a system of environmental checks and balances, and used its powerful market position to ensure suppliers are also adhering to similar rigid environmental checks and balances. All the while the company has made sound and successful financial decisions which have seen it grow from humble beginnings to its place as a top 20 Australian company by capitalisation and top retailer in the Australian and New Zealand market place.
Despite its proactive response to the environmental and social impacts of its business, Woolworths has come under considerable pressure from media and other stakeholder groups over its pressure on growers and suppliers. The company has also been criticised about its “predatory” industry practices which has seen many smaller local businesses out of business due to the very competitive nature of Woolworths and its rapid expansion. Woolworths has a sound CS policy and strategy in place, however it may benefit from a more focussed brand and reputation management strategy which may address some of these criticisms before decisions are made on the execution of such strategies.
Table of Contents
Woolworths’ Limited – Strategic and Operational Approaches to Corporate Sustainability 1
Executive Summary 1
Table of Contents 2
Introduction 3
Woolworths Strategic and Operational Approaches 5
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