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Perception and Interpretation of Sustainability Among the Largest Corporations Established in the Czech Republic

Author

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  • Petr Petera

    (Department of Management Accounting, Faculty of Finance and Accounting, University of Economics, Prague, nám. W. Churchilla 4, 130 67 Praha 3, Czech Republic)

  • Jaroslav Wagner

    (Department of Management Accounting, Faculty of Finance and Accounting, University of Economics, Prague, nám. W. Churchilla 4, 130 67 Praha 3, Czech Republic)

  • Kateřina Knorová

    (Department of Management Accounting, Faculty of Finance and Accounting, University of Economics, Prague, nám. W. Churchilla 4, 130 67 Praha 3, Czech Republic)

Abstract

The paper addresses perception and interpretation of sustainability among the largest corporations established in the Czech Republic. Despite the fact that the amount of literature on sustainability is substantial, there is lack of empirical investigation into understanding sustainability among corporations established in the Czech Republic. We used qualitative methodology (semi-structured interviews) to investigate how the largest corporations established in the Czech Republic understand and deal with sustainability-related issues. Key sustainability-related themes are identified and discussed in the paper. On the basis of comparison of our results with the prior literature it is possible to sum up that our findings are mostly in accordance with previous research. Majority of our respondents perceive sustainability as containing economic, environmental and social dimension and their sustainability-related initiatives are both internally and externally oriented. Reporting on sustainability is relatively new topic for respondents, but its importance is growing. The key future challenges include better integration of sustainability-related initiatives into the core business activities, implementation of sustainability accounting and standardization of sustainability reporting (probably on the basis of the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines).

Suggested Citation

  • Petr Petera & Jaroslav Wagner & Kateřina Knorová, 2016. "Perception and Interpretation of Sustainability Among the Largest Corporations Established in the Czech Republic," Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, Mendel University Press, vol. 64(3), pages 1053-1065.
    • Handle: RePEc:mup:actaun:actaun_2016064031053
    DOI: 10.11118/actaun201664031053
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. World Commission on Environment and Development,, 1987. "Our Common Future," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780192820808, Decembrie.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marcela Zárybnická Žárová, 2018. "Do Czech small and medium-sized companies disclose non-financial information? [Zveřejňují střední a malé podniky v ČR nefinanční informace?]," Český finanční a účetní časopis, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2018(4), pages 71-83.

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