ABSTRACT
Introduction The classical description defines sustainability as the satisfaction of our current needs in a way that does not endanger the satisfaction of the needs of future generations (World Commission on Environment and Development 1987). Such definition talks about the utilization of various resources in a way that does not destroy or impoverish them or endanger the process through which they become regenerated. Even though resources are utilized to satisfy current needs, they also are left intact for future utilization. When applied to working life, the concept of sustainability means that a work organization operates in a way that does not deplete the various resources involved – the human and social resources along with the economic and ecological resources. Indeed, we would like to set an even stricter criterion for organizational sustainability. A sustainable work organization not only preserves the resources it utilizes, but actually supports their growth and development. This is because an organization, in addition to utilizing the various resources, is also formed by them. In order to develop itself, an organization has to promote the development of its resources (see also Chapters 2 to 6 in this volume).
