User:Simone GIll-Joseph/sandbox/Analysis of challenges and opportunities of managing productivity and performance which support the triple bottom line

Introduction
The objective of this Report is to critically analyse the challenges and opportunities of effectively and efficiently managing productivity and performance to increase profit, alongside a commitment to appropriate management of the human resource and with consideration for the sustainability of the planet. The operations management and human resource management practices in a manner that supports sustainability will be evaluated, but the use of these practices, policies and procedures in the context of Amazon will be critically analysed to determine the extent to which the corporate sustainability measures introduced by Amazon present challenges and opportunities in conjunction with the triple bottom line.

Analysis
Giannetti et al. (2013) determined that sustainable operations management policies and procedures are likely to increase profitability for organizations whereas Gilley et al. (2000) has indicated that there is no correlation between sustainable operations on the performance of an entity. In acquiring clarity, D’Agostini et al. (2017) determined through a meta analysis that at the aggregate level, performances namely, environmental, organizational, operational and sustainable operating practices, such as  eco-design, cleaner production and reverse logistics all shared positive relationships. Using the Amazon case study, it has been determined that in conjunction to attaining the title of world leader in warehousing and inventory, the organization has been plagued with accusations of environmental degradation and an increased carbon footprint resulting in employees speaking publicly about their discomfort with the lack of sustainable practices (BBC, 2020). This chain reaction has also resulted in policies to mute staff and creation of a toxic work culture (Kantor and Streitfeld, 2015). There are numerous challenges and opportunities that arise from the use of sustainable operations management practices as well as human resource management practices but a critical analysis of both follows.

Sustainable Operations Management
Sustainable operations management comprises of procedures, processes, practices and systems utilized by organizations to create and produce outputs that provide profits whilst preserving and/or improving the environment (Starik, Kanashiro and Collins, 2015). Significant negative impacts on our climate, negative social implications and corporate scandals are only a few of the generic reasons why it is necessary for the creation of a sustainable organization (Miller 2020). One instrumental avenue to achieve this task is to ensure that the operations management of the entity supports the triple bottom line (People, Profit, Planet) (Gemenez, Sierra and Rodon, 2012). Gunasekaren, Irani and Papadopolous (2012) determined that environmentally and socially conscious methods of Managing Quality, location Strategy, layout strategies, Supply chain management, inventory management, human resources and job design can assist in propelling an organization into the realm of sustainability but can but to what extent would these strategies create a sustainable environment at Amazon? Utilizing Hart’s sustainable business strategies framework, four parameters are used to achieve sustainability through operations management i.e. clean Technology, bottom of the pyramid, pollution prevention and product stewardship (Ferrer, 2008). Based on the collective intentions of Amazon’s corporate social responsibility initiatives it may seem to the naked eye that the organization’s intentions are pure and aligned with the triple bottom line. Adversely, viewing these initiatives with a fine tooth comb these initiatives are arguably long sighted opposed to today’s hazardous atmosphere to which Amazon contributes, therefore negatively impacting their employees and to an extent its’ most valued asset, customers through extensive data management. Sustainability can only be achieved if the subsets of operations management at amazon are aligned with the parameters of sustainability. For Example the procurement of 1800 electric vehicles, although producing zero emissions these vehicles acquire their power through a non renewable energy source, therefore solar powered vehicles would've been the better option.

Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management, a subset of sustainable operations management, has always been relevant to successfully competing in various markets especially in this modern market. As we evolve, supply chain management has shifted and adapted into an important doctrine for the integration of environmental, and social considerations in an attempt to achieve sustainability whilst honouring the triple bottom line (Ashby, Leat and Hudson-Smith, 2012). Amazon, dubbed as the world leader in inventory and warehousing, has a duty to ensure that their practices conform to the triple bottom line therefore supporting sustainability but the organizations sustainable supply chain management practices, defined by Seuring and Müller (2008) as the management of materials, information and capital flows in conjunction with the triple bottom line, people profit and planet is currently lacking. The integration of sustainability throughout the supply chain management process in Amazon will further set it apart from competitors therefore providing a substantial competitive advantage Govindan et al. (2020). For Amazon to adopt and achieve sustainable supply chain management the values, information systems, and corporate strategies must surround sustainable development (Carter and Eatson, 2011). Amazon therefore, must adopt sustainable inventory management, reverse logistics, waste management, reduced emissions and reduced energy use Ramudhin et al. 2010. Although amazon has the intention to implement sustainable practices,  the question arises about the organization's processes, are they in place and if not how long? The dates provided by the organization extend to 2040 but their immediate approach of doing less bad as opposed to doing good in today's environment presents an ongoing challenge for the organization. An opportunity that may be seized by Amazon for the adoption of sustainable practices would be the reform of their inventory management policies and procedures.

Sustainable Inventory Management
Sustainable Inventory Management refers to the reduction of negative social and environmental impacts without negatively affecting profitability of the organization (Tiwari, Daryanto and Wee, 2018). Currently the inventory management practices at Amazon are not on the path to sustainability but this has not negatively affected their profitability over the years (Chan, 2015). Amazon, (2021) stated that the organization is set to begin planning and implementing sustainable inventory management practices. Whilst commendable, it is also a long term vision and goal of the institution with limited scope of immediate solutions to the problem, therefore presenting significant challenges to the support needed toward the triple bottom line. Amazon's leadership has provided sustainability action plans but the extent to which these plans conform to sustainable inventory management practices are questionable. The implementation of electric vehicles and robots to assist with packages are two plans introduced by the organization Amazon. The positive effects lie within the reduction of carbon emissions, a green supply chain initiative and creating sustainable logistics (Pinto, Lusa and Coves, 2018). The challenges exposed are the fact that a reduction in carbon emissions can be defeated by the increased use of a non-renewable energy resource to power the vehicle therefore negatively affecting the planet component of the triple bottom line (Parks, Denholm and Markel, 2007). Additionally the negative social implications through the loss of jobs as a result of the introduction of robots is also an alarming factor and therefore may not satisfy the people aspect of the triple bottom line. Although a definitive conclusion cannot be made based on these two factors alone, it's safe to say that the path to sustainability is not clear and the extent to which these initiatives promote sustainability are questionable.

Sustainable Human Resource Management
The adaptation of environmental management and sustainable development practices in human resource management has resulted in the creation of the term Green human resource management as it also encompasses the economic sustainability for the organization and employees (Ahmad, 2015). Sustainable Human Resource Management encompasses an all inclusive approach through the adaptation of practices that satisfies the triple bottom line impacting the organization both internally and externally (Ehnert et al., 2016). The environment created and expected by the leadership of Amazon calls for a high performance working environment (HPW), which to the organization’s benefit, has attributed to extra success (Forrest, 2015). The link between the benefits  of High performance working on  company profits and its impact on employees should not be ignored. Flood et al. (2008) determined through their study that the integration of HPW and partnership  policies into an organization significantly increases its opportunity for profitability. Additionally, Applebaum et al. (2000) determined that  employees earned more in organizations that utilize HPW practices and policies. The challenge faced here may be the fact that although Amazon deploys HPW throughout the organization, especially through their HRM practices, they’ve managed to negatively affect employees by  increased stress and work intensification. That being said, all that glitters isn't gold with HPW policies as Ramsay et al. (2000) discussed the negative implications of HPW as HRM processes determine the increased mentally harmful effects on the employees. Although HPW offers an avenue for success for an organization through increased organizational performance, it has in many instances acted to the detriment of employees therefore presenting a perfect opportunity for Amazon to restructure their policies to protect their employees and therefore reducing chances for the lowering of their competitive advantage. If this path is chosen, Amazon then presents avenues for sustainable human resource practices to guide the practices within this organizational subset.

Conclusion
Being a leader in warehousing and inventory, Amazon’s Multiple Massive warehouses, without proper management more likely than not contribute to the environmental degradation often complained about by employees, therefore proper insulation and use of renewable energy sources can assist whilst not impacting long term profitability as these implementations pay for themselves through fuel cost savings. By utilizing socially responsible and positive economic recruitment practices in conjunction with the continued development, deployment and release of said employees, Amazon could evolve into the realm of sustainable human resource management (Thom and Zaugg, 2004). This inevitably results in a positive impact on the finances of the organization (Branco and Rodriguez, 2006 ; Collinson et al. 2007). Continued, by ensuring that sustainable social and environmental investments are strategic as it satisfies the expansive expectations of stakeholders (Kramar, 2014) and therefore a sustained competitive advantage Wright et al. 1994). Accomplished by instituting humane value based strategies, Amazon has the opportunity to gain a significant competitive advantage over competitors (Barney, 1991).

Unfortunately the corporate social responsibility initiatives sought after by the organization are plagued with negative effects toward the social and environmental aspects of the triple bottom line and with the current trend of success of the organization it is more likely than not that profitability will be the only factor unaffected by this fragile attempt at sustainability.