ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the results of the analysis on sustainability principles adopted in strategies formulated by Polish companies that are included in the WIG20 Index. It focuses on research into WIG20 companies' policies of sustainability presenting the methodology and the research findings and also presents the discussion of the research results, its limitations and directions for further analysis. The chapter summarizes the theoretical framework outlining the origin and areas of sustainability. It discusses the concept of sustainability within strategic management and the related approaches of corporate social responsibility (CSR), triple bottom line, stakeholder theory and A. Carroll's pyramid. The chapter also discusses the so-called business case for sustainability, placing its requirements and recommendations for social and environmental performance within the strategic management context. The list of the reasons behind the development of the sustainability concept is presented. The environmental dimension of sustainability is viewed as crucial issue due to current environmental damage, degree of pollution and depletion of resources.
