How can you ensure your sustainability framework addresses root causes of social issues?

With the 5 Whys method, explore into the layers of a problem to uncover its true root cause. Start by identifying the issue and then repeatedly ask "why" to each response you receive. By doing so, you peel away surface-level explanations and reach the fundamental problem, much like digging through layers of soil to reveal the core issue. For example, if a social project deadline was missed, asking "why" may lead to discovering inadequate resource allocation, unclear expectations, or communication gaps. This method is a powerful tool for effective problem-solving and understanding the underlying factors contributing to an issue.

Aplique os conceitos da Qualidade Total e suas ferramentas como se fossem "Sustentabilidade Total". Tudo funciona e ja foi testado 30 anos atras. Sugiro ishikawa e 5W2H

A identificação de causas básicas pode ser realizado também com Diagnostico Rápido Participativo - DRP, uma metodologia participativa que pode ser utilizada em processo de discussão sobre causas e consequencias das questões sociais.

The initial phase in developing a sustainability framework is identifying root causes of targeted social issues. This involves probing beyond surface problems, using tools like problem trees, stakeholder analysis, or causal loop diagrams to unravel complex factors contributing to the issues. It's crucial to ask why these problems persist, who gains, and who bears the brunt. Consulting affected communities provides essential perspectives. By mapping interrelated factors comprehensively and incorporating community input, businesses gain a nuanced understanding, enabling the formulation of more effective and holistic sustainability strategies.

We must remember that the Human Rights Act is one of few global frameworks. Aligning with them guarantees you are building new social advancement that protects equality among all.

Aligning a sustainability framework with human rights principles involves intertwining environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations with a commitment to uphold and respect human rights. It begins by identifying potential impacts on human rights across all aspects of sustainability practices, from supply chains to operations. Integrating human rights due diligence into decision-making processes, such as conducting impact assessments, ensures that policies and actions respect and protect human rights.

A proteção da vida humana e da biodiversidade que contribui com a vida no Planeta Terra é um dos pilares de fundamento para iniciar a discussão sobre o porquê reciclamos, plantamos, preservamos, defendemos os povos originários e etc. Isso orienta para a analise e reflexão sobre principios.

Applying universality recognizes rights for all, while indivisibility acknowledges the interconnectedness of social issues. Interdependence will guide efforts to address multiple factors simultaneously. Active participation of communities, especially marginalized groups, ensures their needs are understood. Accountability will be embedded to track progress transparently. Non-discrimination will guide inclusive strategies. Utilizing frameworks like the UN Guiding Principles, Global Reporting Initiative, and Social and Human Capital Protocol will provide clear direction, aligning our company's sustainability initiatives with ethical practices and fostering a holistic approach that respects, protects, and fulfills the rights of all individuals.

For businesses, recognizing their role and impact within their operational system is crucial. It's vital for them to understand how their actions can influence this system, particularly when formulating social and environmental strategies within their holistic sustainability approach. Instead of merely addressing the symptoms of systemic issues, businesses must strive to tackle the underlying causes. This approach ensures that sustainability efforts are effective and contribute to lasting change. By focusing on the root causes, businesses can foster genuine progress towards sustainability and equity, requiring ongoing analysis and adaptation to evolving systemic interactions.

Imagine a company that, instead of just following standards, adopted a systemic approach. The company wouldn't limit itself to its walls, but would build deep connections with its community. External stakeholders would not be mere observers; they are catalysts for genuine social change. On this journey, the company would not only set targets, but also commit to constantly evaluating their impact. Because, after all, goals without evaluation are like seeds thrown into the wind, with no guarantee of germination. Every step taken is a step towards a world where sustainability is more than a word; it's a promise fulfilled and give due importance to the 'S' in ESG. Companies must challenge themselves to go beyond the conventional.

Pour aborder une approche sur systémique, il semble important conduire une approche basée sur 3 piliers : Financier, Humain et Environnement. C'est l'approche qu'utilise le groupe Nexans dirigé par Christopher Guerin. Pour avoir une approche encore plus systémique, il semble important de mesurer la perception des collaborateurs sur ces 3 piliers et de chercher à aligner au mieux cette perception.

Pela metodologia e teia causal que o próprio método DRP constrói, após toda discussão em comunidade, a complexidade se torna mais evidente. E as formas de associação e links de um problema para o outro fica mais evidente. Isso revela o quanto tudo está conectado e como somente a ação coletiva pode dar resposta a essas questões sociais.

This involves understanding the interconnectedness of various components within and outside the organization. Rather than focusing solely on individual issues, a systems approach considers how they influence and are influenced by one another. This holistic perspective helps in identifying leverage points and unintended consequences. By analyzing the entire ecosystem, businesses can better anticipate and address root causes, ensuring that sustainability efforts have a more profound and lasting impact. This approach aligns with the complexity of social and environmental challenges, promoting a strategic and interconnected approach to sustainable business practices.

Collaborating with stakeholders to address the root causes of social issues involves a comprehensive framework centered on inclusivity, dialogue, and shared responsibility. It begins by identifying key stakeholders, including communities, policymakers, businesses, NGOs, and affected individuals, to foster a diverse perspective and collective understanding of the issue. By creating a platform for open communication and active participation, the framework aims to collectively analyze and address underlying systemic issues. This collaboration enables the pooling of resources, expertise, and perspectives to develop sustainable, multi-dimensional solutions that tackle root causes, leading to more impactful and enduring social change.

The reality of having sustainable change is that all stakeholders must agree to transition into it. This involves how it affects them and must importantly if it is profitable for them or does not impact them negatively. Creating agreements where all involved respect how the framework will execute, guarantees change and they consequently monitor each other.

La collaboration avec les parties prenantes, implique pour être efficace et pertinente de partager collectivement les enjeux, les risques, les opportunités. Pour construire ce partage, il peut être utile de co-construire cette analyse avec les parties prenantes.

Emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts in the workplace cannot be overstated. Collaboration not only solidifies the work but also instills a sense of ownership and responsibility among team members. When individuals contribute their expertise, the collective output tends to excel. Utilizing tools such as constant communication, trainings, regular meetings, and involving them in technological aspects are effective methods to engage individuals at various organizational levels. It's crucial for leaders and staff to play active roles, remaining consistently involved and engaged according to their respective responsibilities within the collaborative framework. This inclusive approach ensures a holistic and successful team dynamic

O mapeamento de atores e tomadores de decisão para a resolução de problemas sociais, estruturais e complexos é um passo fundamental. As soluções elas se fazem em coletivo, e a equidade das responsabilidades sobre estas ações se faz necessário, até pela propria atribuição de cada ator social.

D'après mon expérience, je constate que les meilleurs indicateurs, sont ceux liés à la mesure de la perception des collaborateurs. Même si cette perception est finalement peu comparable entre les sociétés, elle est en constante évolution et oblige donc la société concernée à rester en évolution perpétuelle de sorte à répondre aux attentes des collaboraborateurs.

Avaliar as etapas, os processos e decisões feita anteriomente é um compromisso com a excelência do processo. Monitorar se as metas e os objetivos estão sendo alcançados é muito importante para a conclusão de todo planejamento

In order to establish a wheel of change, you must constantly evaluate what changes echoed from sustainable initiatives. In my experience, changes in framework impact both internal and external stakeholders or resources, this is why constant monitoring and continuous improvement are required to reach economies of scale that are profitable and sustainable.

Growing on monitoring the impact of sustainable framework, changes might need to be done. For instance, the case of the Millennial Development Goals shows the rise in elementary education in developing countries. However, many countries didn’t particularly consider the amount of individuals seeking higher education. The enrollment for public universities rose and the public good was not available for all. Similarly, the undergraduates then entered a labor force that has an excess supply of undergraduate candidates creating low incomes. This is why one must always be aware of how creating policies that contribute to development, affect other areas of society and change the framework around them to create a sustainable program.

To ensure a sustainability strategy & framework addresses social issues' root causes, it's vital to integrate your sustainability framework with national visions, SDGs and other int'l frameworks, identifying gaps in these frameworks at a national level. Deep understanding of socio-economic factors is essential. Engage various stakeholders to understand underlying issues for a holistic view. Regularly assess, analyze, and refine approaches based on feedback and changing conditions. These in my opinion are some effective ways to targets the core of social challenges.

To build a robust sustainability framework, it's crucial to explore social issues beyond the surface. Engage stakeholders for unique insights, collaborate with experts, and conduct impactful assessments. Embrace data for pattern recognition and tailored interventions. Regular evaluation ensures adaptability, while global standards alignment strengthens effectiveness. In essence, a holistic view, inclusive decisions, and a commitment to root causes form a truly impactful sustainability foundation.

A simple and effective way to do it is to conduct a root-cause analysis for each social issue identified. The analysis will enable you to reach to the bottom of it and then you can easily brainstorm to find appropriate solutions and mitigation plans.

In a world where sustainability is imperative, we need to go beyond appearances. Systemic approach is the backbone, connecting the company to the different links that mould society. Active engagement with external stakeholders is the catalyst for authentic social responsibility. However, it's not enough to promise change; it's crucial to continually monitor, evaluate and adjust the impact. Targets only become reality when they are measured. The SDGs are compasses, guiding the quest for a world where sustainability transcends discourse, becoming an action that resonates with social transformation. Challenging to do more than the conventional, because it is the extraordinary in finding real solutions to the deep roots of social challenges.

Consider exploring interdisciplinary perspectives and look beyond your immediate field and leverage research from different disciplines, such as sociology, economics, political science, environmental science, and public health, to gain a holistic understanding of the root causes.