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Sustainability, Marketing and Communication
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Sustainability, Marketing and Communication

A special issue of Journal of Risk and Financial Management (ISSN 1911-8074). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainability and Finance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 67251

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Dan-Cristian Dabija

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: marketing; sustainable marketing; green marketing; green retailing; generational marketing; international retail marketing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Veronica Campian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Communication Studies, PR and Advertising, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, RO-400591 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: journalism; print media; non-verbal communication; political communication; language theory; gender studies; media systems

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Within the last years, sustainable development has become an increasingly broad topic debated and analyzed by researchers and practitioners, namely by specialists in different fields (Bernyte, 2018), as a result of the increasingly intense development of contemporary society and its members regardless of the generation they belong to, the organizations and the technologies used (Coca et al., 2013; Dabija and Băbuț, 2019; Dabija et al., 2019). Sustainable development, as a global phenomenon, has been defined since 1987 by the Bruntland report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), constituting “the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. ”(WCED, 1987; Martin and Shouten, 2012). This report also provides, in addition to the definition of the concept, an image on the sustainability dimensions: economic, social and environmental, subsequently synthesized by the concept of Triple Bottom Line (Bekele et al., 2012; Baillie and Jayasinghe, 2017) or “simultaneous pursuit of economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social equity” (Elkington, 1999).

To inform society and the stakeholders about the sustainability profile of companies, there must be good and clear communication. Therefore, communication plays a fundamental role in planning or developing sustainability and sustainable strategies. In this context, it is essential to use the appropriate communication models. Sustainability communication is a relatively new concept, which takes place in different areas of society and is also a means to frame the understandings of sustainability. Sustainability communication is an essential management tool to manage stakeholders’ expectations regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (Nwagbara and Reid 2013). It is also an effective tool to measure how sustainable companies’ commitment to social and environmental issues is. Companies rely often on sustainability communication or CSR communication, as well as on various communication tools regarding the integration of their social and environmental activities. CSR communication models highlight what needs to be considered with regard to this CSR communication (Genc, 2017 2013).

The scope of this Special Issue is to approach sustainable development from a marketing and communication multidimensional, but also trans- and interdisciplinary perspective. Topics of interest for publication in this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • application of ISO 26000;
  • corporate practice of sustainable development on emerging versus developed markets;
  • crowdfunding, communication and sustainable marketing;
  • CSR-communication;
  • CSR-Policy;
  • eco-friendly transport within supply chains;
  • enhancing sustainable patronage;
  • ethical issues;
  • importance of sustainability for organizations;
  • innovation through sustainability in modern organizations;
  • intercultural sustainability;
  • philanthropy of organizations;
  • significance of communication theory models from an organizational sustainability communication;
  • solutions to reduce pollution within the logistic processes;
  • sustainability and social media;
  • sustainability awareness through media discourse.
  • sustainability due to intercultural competence;
  • sustainability in supply chain;
  • sustainability practices of national versus international companies;
  • sustainability reporting and audit;
  • sustainability, marketing, and communication in a pandemic;
  • sustainable consumer behavior;
  • sustainable entrepreneurship and communication;
  • sustainable knowledge management;
  • sustainable orientation through the perspective of the generational approach;
  • sustainable support of local producers;
  • teleworking: challenges for a sustainable marketing communication;
  • the future of marketing and/or communication sustainability: a holistic approach;

References

Baillie, C. and Jayasinghe, R. 2017. Green Composites - Natural and waste-based composites for a sustainable future. 2nd Edition. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing.

Bekele, A., Bosona, T.N. and Gebresenbet, G.L. 2012. Assessing the Sustainability of Food Retail Business: The Case of Konsum Varmland, Sweden. Journal of Service Science and Management, 5, pp.373-385. https://doi.org/10.4236/jssm.2012.54044.

Bernyte, S. 2018. Sustainability marketing communications based on consumer values and principles. Regional Formation and Development Studies, 26(3), pp.26-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.15181/rfds.v26i3.1807.

Genc, R. 2017. The Importance of Communication in Sustainability & Sustainable Strategies. Procedia Manufacturing, 8, pp.511-516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2017.02.065.

Nwagbara, U. and Reid, P. 2013. Corporate Social Responsibility Communication in the Age of New Media: Towards the Logic of Sustainability Communication. Review of International Comparative Management, 14(3), pp.400-414.

Coca, V., Dobrea, M. and Vasiliu, C. 2013. Towards a Sustainable Development of Retailing in Romania. Amfiteatru Economic, 15(Special Issue 7), pp.583-602.

Dabija, D.C. and Băbuț, R. 2019. Enhancing Apparel Store Patronage through Retailers’ Attributes and Sustainability. A Generational Approach. Sustainability, 11(17), 4532. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11174532.

Dabija, D.C., Bejan, B. and Dinu, V. 2019. How Sustainability Oriented is Generation Z in Retail? A Literature Review. Transformations in Business & Economics, 18(2(47)), pp.140-155.  http://www.transformations.knf.vu.lt/47

Elkington, J. 1999. Cannibals with Forks, the Triple Bottom Line of the 21st Century Business. Oxford: Capstone Publishing Ltd.

Martin, D. and Schouten, J. 2012. Sustainable Marketing. Boston, Columbus etc.: Prentice Hall.

WCED 1987. Our Common Future. World Commission on Environment and Development. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Prof. Dr. Dan-Cristian Dabija
Dr. Veronica Campian
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Risk and Financial Management is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Sustainability
  • Sustainability reporting
  • ISO 26000
  • Marketing
  • Communication
  • Sustainable consumer behaviour
  • Triple Bottom Line

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1536 KiB  
Article
Risks and Challenges Associated with NEOM Project in Saudi Arabia: A Marketing Perspective
by Areej Algumzi
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2022, 15(9), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm15090381 - 26 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 13338
Abstract
Saudi Arabia has proposed a new project, NEOM city, planned on the coast of the Red Sea with various unique and challenging features as a part of its vision 2030 to transform itself from an oil-dependent economy to knowledge-based economy. However, there are [...] Read more.
Saudi Arabia has proposed a new project, NEOM city, planned on the coast of the Red Sea with various unique and challenging features as a part of its vision 2030 to transform itself from an oil-dependent economy to knowledge-based economy. However, there are various risks and challenges associated with the project, the study of which is essential to effectively design and implement marketing and promotional strategies. Considering the large scale and scope of the project, the purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the major contexts and associated risks in accordance with the planned city’s objectives. An online questionnaire-based survey was used to collecting data related to the severity of the risks identified and classified in a literature review. A purposive sampling approach was adopted to select experts from various governmental institutions to participate in the study. A final sample of 417 expert participants was achieved from various ministries and departments in Saudi Arabia. Eleven risk factors and challenges were identified, including design challenges, as well as legal, contractual, operational, force majeure, human resources, financial, technological, political, environmental, and sociocultural risks. Risks related to human resources (mean impact = 4) and technology factors (mean impact = 4), as well as contractual risks (mean impact = 3.9), were identified to be very high, whereas environmental (mean impact = 2.7), legal (mean impact = 2.5), and force majeure (mean impact = 2.2) risks were identified to be of low severity. Managing mega projects requires effective planning and implementation, along with risk identification and mitigation mechanisms. In addition, it is essential to manage various influencing factors (especially government decisions) in the process of implementation to achieve success. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability, Marketing and Communication)
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27 pages, 2493 KiB  
Article
An Assessment of the Efficiency of Canadian Power Generation Companies with Bootstrap DEA
by Mohamed Dia, Shashi K. Shahi and Luckny Zéphyr
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2021, 14(10), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm14100498 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2256
Abstract
Power generation companies play an important role in the Canadian economy, as most of the economic activities in the manufacturing and service sectors are powered by electricity. The significance of the Canadian power generation industry shows that efficiency analysis is essential for efficiently [...] Read more.
Power generation companies play an important role in the Canadian economy, as most of the economic activities in the manufacturing and service sectors are powered by electricity. The significance of the Canadian power generation industry shows that efficiency analysis is essential for efficiently managing power generation and distribution in Canada. However, there have been few attempts to study the relative efficiencies of the Canadian power generation companies. This study fills in this gap by assessing the overall technical, managerial, and scale efficiencies of a sample of Canadian power generation companies via the non-parametric bootstrap DEA methodology, with firm-level annual inputs and outputs data over an 18-year horizon. The results of our investigation indicate low levels of overall technical and managerial efficiencies but relatively high levels of scale efficiencies of the Canadian power generation companies over the entire study period. We also found that the 2007–2009 financial crisis impacted the relative performance of the Canadian power generation companies. Our results also allowed us to identify the benchmark power generation companies for each type of efficiency that the inefficient companies should target toward improving their efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability, Marketing and Communication)
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20 pages, 2520 KiB  
Article
To What Extent Retail Chains’ Relationships with Suppliers Make the Business Trustworthy—An Empirical Study on Fast Fashion in Pandemic Times
by Anna Dewalska-Opitek and Katarzyna Bilińska-Reformat
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2021, 14(4), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm14040153 - 1 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 9877
Abstract
The current pandemic situation has created many challenges for maintaining positive relationships between fast fashion retailers and their suppliers. In the proposed paper it is assumed that strong and ethical relationships may be beneficial for all supply chain members, especially in the era [...] Read more.
The current pandemic situation has created many challenges for maintaining positive relationships between fast fashion retailers and their suppliers. In the proposed paper it is assumed that strong and ethical relationships may be beneficial for all supply chain members, especially in the era of global pandemic. Therefore, the aforementioned issues (fast fashion retailers’ ethical behavior towards suppliers) constituted the subject of the paper. Our knowledge about relationships between fast retail chains and their suppliers in the times of global pandemic is relatively week. Trying to fill the gap, this paper discussed relationships between fast fashion retail chains and their suppliers’ customers on the basis of literature review and case study research. Purpose: The aim of the paper was to indicate the scope of activities undertaken by retailers and addressed at suppliers by fast fashion retail chains in pandemic times. The following goals of descriptive and cognitive character were assumed in the paper: (a) Identification of the fast fashion retailers’ common behavior in the era of pandemic, and (b) indication of ethical practices applied by fast fashion retail chains which are beneficial for all retail chain members, based on the Inditex example. Methodology: Based on the theoretic deliberation of retail chain relationships with suppliers in the pandemic times, qualitative research was conducted to supplement the theoretical background. The purpose of this study was to identify how fast fashion retailers maintain relationships with their suppliers in supply chains. The conducted research enabled us to reveal answers to the following research questions: What are good practices of fast fashion retailers in terms of relationships with suppliers? Can socially responsible, trustworthy fast fashion retailers stay profitable in the Covid-19 pandemic? The theoretical deliberation was based on a critical literature review. The empirical part of the paper was based on case study research. The conducted research was descriptive in nature, conducted in order to describe a particular phenomenon within its context, and was not intended to provide conclusive evidence, but to have a better understanding of the problem. A descriptive intrinsic case study was the method applied in the research. Results: On the grounds of literature studies, as well as collected information, we can state that close and ethical cooperation with suppliers, based on socially responsible relationships, are becoming a more and more important part of the strategy for commercial chains. There are companies that use any legal measures to not fulfil their obligations as contractors and avoid paying for orders completed and in production. The descriptive case study research allowed us to observe, analyze, and report good practices of fast fashion retailers in terms of relationships with their suppliers based on the Inditex example. The theoretical contribution: On the grounds of the case study, we can state that during pandemic times fast fashion retail chains have focused on the development of relationships with suppliers, which means changing from transactional to relationship marketing in cooperation strategies. Practical implications (if applicable): The paper provided intellectual input into the managerial problem of how to develop mutual beneficiary relationships between fast retail chains and their suppliers. The study suggests that fast fashion retail chains have to take into consideration growing customer expectations, which regard their cooperation’s strategies toward suppliers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability, Marketing and Communication)
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21 pages, 381 KiB  
Article
Crowdsourcing in Sustainable Retail—A Theoretical Framework of Success Criteria
by Peter Konhäusner
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2021, 14(2), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm14020087 - 20 Feb 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4111
Abstract
Current research about crowdsourcing covers industries like food systems or logistics, leaving out the possible impact of crowdsourcing on sustainable retail. The debate about the sustainable impact of different industries is ongoing, especially discussing the adaption to the Sustainable Development Goals of the [...] Read more.
Current research about crowdsourcing covers industries like food systems or logistics, leaving out the possible impact of crowdsourcing on sustainable retail. The debate about the sustainable impact of different industries is ongoing, especially discussing the adaption to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations critically. This paper examines the influence of crowdsourcing on the sustainable aspects of retailing by applying a theoretical derivation as well as an empirical observation. After theoretically discussing the linkage between crowdfunding as a crowdsourcing category and sustainable retail utilizing a literature review, a theoretical framework employing the grounded theory approach is constructed. A total of 24 crowdfunding campaigns aiming at the market introduction of new products or services, each worth over 5 million USD funding volume and run on international crowdfunding platforms, have been taken into consideration. The outcome of the analysis is a theoretical framework presenting three different categories, in which successful crowdfunding campaigns impacting sustainable retail excel: sustainable economic behavior, sustainable community management and sustainable market adaptation. The derived model contributes to the theoretical discussion about the impact of crowdfunding and assists practitioners in reflecting about their approach and goal setting prior to and while crowdfunding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability, Marketing and Communication)
13 pages, 773 KiB  
Article
Consumer Behaviour towards Organic Products: The Moderating Role of Environmental Concern
by Silvia Cachero-Martínez
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2020, 13(12), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm13120330 - 21 Dec 2020
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 15111
Abstract
The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has changed the mindset of many consumers. They are increasingly aware of the risks of not caring for the planet. Before the pandemic, there was a perceived increase in collective environmental concern and sustainability, but COVID-19 has further [...] Read more.
The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has changed the mindset of many consumers. They are increasingly aware of the risks of not caring for the planet. Before the pandemic, there was a perceived increase in collective environmental concern and sustainability, but COVID-19 has further accelerated this process and motivated more people to assume this responsibility. Thus, the health crisis could trigger the consumption of organic foods, which are foods produced through environmentally friendly agricultural methods and that have not been artificially altered. It is essential for retailers to know how these consumers of organic foods behave in order to try to modify their strategies. In this context, the objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between attitude, satisfaction, trust, purchase and word-of-mouth (WOM) intentions towards organic products. The results of a survey administered a survey to a sample of 195 consumers show that trust is influenced by satisfaction and attitude. In relation to the behavioural variables, satisfaction is the variable that has the greatest influence on purchase intentions and WOM intentions. In addition, a moderating effect of environmental concern is observed on the proposed relationships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability, Marketing and Communication)
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12 pages, 679 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the Transport and Retail Supply Chain Sector
by Cristian Negrutiu, Cristinel Vasiliu and Calcedonia Enache
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2020, 13(11), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm13110267 - 1 Nov 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3856
Abstract
The present study investigated the factors that influence the feasibility and competitive advantage of a digital freight forwarder through a binary logistic regression model. The research is a concrete application of sustainable entrepreneurship in the transport and supply chain sector. The novelty of [...] Read more.
The present study investigated the factors that influence the feasibility and competitive advantage of a digital freight forwarder through a binary logistic regression model. The research is a concrete application of sustainable entrepreneurship in the transport and supply chain sector. The novelty of this topic presents a research gap that needs to be covered with dedicated studies. After the literature review and concept clarification, the article presents quantitative research involving an online questionnaire administered among a sample of transporters in Romania. Through analysis of the data collected from 405 respondents, it was found that the most important factors when selecting a digital freight forwarder are the existence of both sales and dispatch departments. Furthermore, apart from greening the industry, a digital freight forwarder has several other advantages for all stakeholders and society. The study concludes that the concept has the potential to disrupt the entire industry through a unique combination of efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability, Marketing and Communication)
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20 pages, 393 KiB  
Article
A Qualitative Approach to the Sustainable Orientation of Generation Z in Retail: The Case of Romania
by Dan-Cristian Dabija, Brândușa Mariana Bejan and Claudiu Pușcaș
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2020, 13(7), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm13070152 - 13 Jul 2020
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 14181
Abstract
In order to highlight the extent to which young consumers, or members of Generation Z, are familiar with the sustainability principles implemented by retailers operating in emerging markets, the authors conducted a qualitative empirical research study with the help of a semi-structured in-depth [...] Read more.
In order to highlight the extent to which young consumers, or members of Generation Z, are familiar with the sustainability principles implemented by retailers operating in emerging markets, the authors conducted a qualitative empirical research study with the help of a semi-structured in-depth interview guide. Respondents were asked to express their perception of the extent to which their favorite retailers adopted and implemented the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. The results show that respondents viewed retailers’ sustainability orientation favorably, specifying concrete measures implemented by their preferred retailers. They seemed to favor those retail networks making a useful and proactive contribution to resource preservation and environmental protection, whilst taking care of employees’ welfare and being involved in their local communities. From a theoretical perspective, the paper makes a clear contribution to enhancing the generational theory-based studies on emerging markets, where market conditions and polyvalent consumer behavior are highly dynamic, and where sustainability principles play a major role in drawing and maintaining their customers. From a management perspective, the paper provides retailers with an overview on the measures, tactics, and actions that allow them to properly target consumers and develop a proper customer approach strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability, Marketing and Communication)
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