Deploying Sustainability Through Employee Participation. An Action Research Proposal

Society is increasingly aware of and sensitive to the deployment of sustainability. Therefore, firms must implement policies that not only have a positive effect on their sustainable behavior but also contribute to improving their competitivity. In this dual context of sustainability and competitiveness, there has been little in-depth analysis in the academic literature of the positive impact of structured employee participation systems. The main aim of this paper is to propose and apply a methodology for the joint development of sustainability and competitiveness by means of such systems. The methodology will draw on the basic principles of continuous improvement based on a literature review but also by adopting an Action Research approach, in which the researchers and companies collaborate to create useful knowledge for both parties. Likewise, this paper also illustrates its implementation at a Spanish food product manufacturer. The paper shows the potential in both the research and business spheres, as it provides a useful guide for improving sustainability and competitiveness through the deployment of structured employee participation systems. Likewise, the paper also illustrates the usefulness of researchers and practitioners collaborating shoulder to shoulder to generate and transfer knowledge.