Introduction - Strengthening Leadership and Reducing Environmental Impact
British Petroleum is a leading oil and gas company which is headquartered in London, England. It is one of the largest companies per revenue generation in the world, and at the same time, the company has a vertically integrated operation system in every region. The company includes exploration and extraction, distribution, refining, marketing, trading, and power generation. British Petroleum is extremely sustainable, and the company aims to reduce 20% of the total reduction by 2025, and the company has five major pledges toward sustainability, including enhancing biodiversity, water management, offering nature-based solutions, reducing carbon emissions, and sustainable purchasing (Elsayed and Ammar, 2020). As a sustainable and human resource manager of this company, in this assessment, the approaches taken by the organization to strengthen leadership and governance towards sustainability along with the role of the organization in reducing the degradation of the natural habitats will be taken into consideration.
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Week 1: "Approaches taken by the organization to strengthen governance and leadership towards sustainability."
Analysis of the issue
Governance towards assignability can be mentioned as some rules and regulations that are associated with ecological citizenship with the organizational norms, and it is quite complex due to the fact of addressing the major issues, such as democracy, globalization, and sustainability. There are a number of issues faced by the organization towards strengthening governance. While dealing with sustainability governance, a number of challenges take place, such as inadequate continental and global agreements, which restrict the strengthening of the rules and regulations for the employees of the organisation (Divéki, 2020). There are several unresolved tensions between sustainable development and maximum protection which are also significant aspects of strengthening governance towards sustainability. Additionally, limitations in terms of funding and limitations in the application of "multilateral environmental agreements" are also the major factors that restrict the strengthening of the governance of the organization towards sustainability.
Sustainable leadership can be mentioned as the management approach that aims to provide solutions for addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges in the world. In terms of strengthening sustainable governance in an organization, there is a great significance of a leader; however, a sustainable leader might face a number of challenges to do so. First of all, a sustainable leader must follow the six major principles of sustainability, such as environment, carbon, community, connectivity, green economy, and well-being. While strengthening the governance of sustainability, the sustainable leader must be competent to create a common understanding for all the team members and should make strategies to deal with these six principles of sustainability. In this regard, a leader might not get the support of other team members, and it is one of the biggest issues faced by the organization while strengthening leadership toward sustainability (van Tulder, 2020). Additionally, in terms of controlling the effectiveness of sustainability, considering the six major principles of sustainability, it can be hard to shift from the previous working environment to another working procedure. In terms of adaptation, sustainable leaders might face issues and it can also lead to restrictions to developing the entire system towards sustainability. The attitude of the leaders towards managing sustainability in an organization is very important, and as a sustainability and human resource manager, it is also significant to understand the well-being and maintain connectivity among the team members. In this regard, the leader might face issues in defining his or her purpose towards sustainability, and it can impact the approaches towards strengthening sustainable leadership.
Current status
In terms of discussing the current status of British Petroleum, it can be found that the company and its management have developed governance and leadership towards sustainability effectively, and the company has already set five major aims to care for the entire planet. The company wants to create value by connecting business opportunities in the context of the energy transition. The company aims to be net zero and wants to reduce the emission of carbon in its upstream oil and gas production (Tepelus, 2019).
Recommendations
In terms of improving sustainability governance and leadership, here are some recommendations.
In order to build an effective sustainability governance structure in an organization, commitment should be at the top, and a sustainability manager or the organizational management should carry out the commitment effectively towards maintaining sustainability principles.
Additionally, organizational members should be accountable for their commitment, and they should establish and communicate about the aspects of sustainability policies and regulations. Organizational management should enact policies aligned with the business operations that can be helpful to understand the organizational members and that can make the business more imperative.
Flexibility towards sustainability governance and leadership should be provided to the employees of the organization so that they can adapt and build up their values towards sustainability. Organizational management should provide an awareness program considering the sustainability agenda. Hence, it can be possible to understand the effectiveness of strengthening governance and leadership towards sustainability.
Week 2: "Why it is important for organisations to reduce their role in the degradation of natural habitats."
Analysis of the issue
The degradation of natural habitats is increasing due to declining environmental factors, including pollution, over-utilization of natural resources, and invasive species. In this regard, it has become extremely important for every organization to reduce its impact on the degradation of natural habitats. There are a number of business activities that directly impact the degradation of natural habitats, and it has been found that the waste products of various companies impact the environment immensely and cause damage to natural habitats. Otherwise, harvesting natural resources and urbanisation are also significant aspects that lead to the degrading of natural habitats (Stott and Murphy, 2020).
The degradation of natural habitats can be mentioned as the most significant and critical environmental issue in the world, and there are a number of ways to reduce the degradation of natural habitats. However, companies might face lots of issues while developing their role in the reduction of the degradation of natural habitats. Since replacing disposable items is of utmost importance for reducing the degradation of natural habitats, it can be hard for companies to replace disposable items due to various business operations where it is hard to replace disposable items with reusable products. Additionally, completely passing on the use of paper can be a significant step towards reducing the degradation of environmental habitats; however, it is also hard for various companies to do so. The present era is all about using computers, mobile phones, and various other advanced technologies. However, the use of paper is also there, which is hard to replace. In this regard, many employees cannot find it adaptable, and due to this, it has become hard for companies to reduce their role in the degradation of natural habitats. Conserving water and electricity is also a great step towards reducing the impact of the reduction of natural habitats, and at the same time, companies might face issues with preserving water and electricity since they require lots of water for their production activities (Brouwer and Woodhill, 2016). In this regard, they need to consider their production activities and should develop technology so that they can deal with these concerns effectively. Furthermore, every organization should support environmentally friendly products and items and should reduce the use of plastic and paper waste. However, in this regard also, they might face some issues since they might not get the support of the neighborhood, other companies, or economic concerns.
Current status
In terms of discussing the current status of the organization, it can be found that the company cares for the planet and wants to enhance biodiversity in order to reduce its impact on environmental degradation (Tennyson, 2013). Additionally, the company aims to offer nature-based solutions so that it can reduce carbon emissions, and it also denotes its role in the reduction of the degradation of natural habitats.
Recommendations
In order to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, here are some recommendations.
Controlling environmental degradation is of utmost importance, and every company should consider their business operations and activities so that it does not affect the environment. Every organization should consider planting trees, and they should reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Rainwater harvesting can be another major step that might help organizations to reduce their impact on degrading natural habitats. At the same time, the companies should not use much water in their production activities, which can also help to preserve water.
Additionally, considering "reduce, use, and recycle" should be the motto of every company, and it can help the companies to reduce their impact on the environment. Moreover, avoiding the use of plastic bags and paper can also be helpful for companies. Reduction in fuel consumption can also be helpful in limiting the impact of companies on environmental degradation.
Week 3: "Approaches that organizations are taking to respond to the impact of climate change (adapt to the changes already coming)."
Analysis of the issue
Climate change has become a complex issue nowadays, and there is a great impact of climate change on diverse sectors of society, and all the impacts are interrelated. In this regard, it can be found that flooding can increase the tendency of this, and at the same time, it can damage the ecosystem as well as infrastructure (Rahman et al., 2021). Drought can affect food production and human health, and along with this, human health issues can increase. There can be a great impact on food availability productivity of workers. The impact of climate change is uneven, and organizations can effectively respond to this impact of climate change.
A number of impacts can be found on companies' climate change, and at the same time, climate change leads to a number of risks in the business aspects. Some of the major physical risks that can be found are supply shortages, transition risks, effects on market and regulation, increasing business costs, and many more. Additionally, due to the increasing production activities along with various other operations, the emission of greenhouse gases is increasing day by day, which also impacts the companies and the community as well. Retaining this, the companies might face issues, and they might not be able to raise funds to deal with the steps, and it is a great issue to respond positively to climate change (Jacobson et al., 2017).
In this regard, companies should aim to improve their energy efficiency so that they can manage their cost-effectiveness. Additionally, companies can rely on innovation and innovate new products and services, which will be less intensive towards carbon emission. It can help the company to take a positive response towards managing climate change. However, for managing innovation, companies require the support of stakeholders. Companies have to invest a lot in research and development for the innovation of new products. The companies might face issues related to stakeholder engagement. Moreover, organizations can increase their supply chain resilience reduce the use of fossil fuels, and seek renewable energy sources (Hamann et al., 2020). It can also impact the production of the company, and at the same time, the company can foster competitiveness through such steps. In order to make the supply chain more resilient and effective, companies need to contact several suppliers so that the companies can deal with the market demand.
Current status
In terms of discussing how the company responds to the impact of climate change, it can be found that the company believes that it should increase its climate policy and regulations. Hence they will be able to insensitive "economy-wide decarbonisation". Additionally, the company supports and advocates well-designed regulations and policies so that they can drive decarbonization and can achieve global attainment (Sowers and Weinthal, 2010).
Recommendations
In order to respond positively to climate change, here are some recommendations.
First of all, the companies should understand what kind of risks they have been facing due to climate change, and on the basis of that, the companies need to take the initiative. Companies should consider their greenhouse gas emissions so that they can reduce the impact of climate change.
Moreover, companies should invest more in research and development so that they can bring innovation to their business model and achieve less intensive carbon emissions.
Companies can be associated with resilient supply chains and in this regard, they should contact several suppliers to maintain cost-effectiveness. Additionally, companies should engage stakeholders effectively to get their support. Since they require financial support from the stakeholders and thereby they will be able to respond positively towards improving energy efficiency.
Week 4: Why reducing the use of resources is vital for mitigating future climate change
Analysis of the issue
In terms of discussing why it is important to reduce the use of resources to mitigate future climate change, it can be found that there are a number of issues faced by various organizations and communities due to climate change, and it has become extremely important to understand the reason for climate change. In this regard, recycling should be started by companies as well as communities so that it can help to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases by reducing the use of resources. With the help of using recycled materials, it is possible to make new products, and it can reduce the use of resources as well (Peeters, Gossling, and Becken, 2006). If people continuously avoid the emissions of greenhouse gases it might result in the mining of virgin materials, and thereby it will be hard for companies to produce products from these recycled materials. Since manufacturing from recycled materials requires less energy, it can be helpful for mitigating future climate change.
Moreover, waste management can also be a great aspect to mitigate future climate change and in this regard, people and companies should understand the major measures which can help them to be more effective at reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases from the use of resources. Companies and people should consider using less energy for transportation and other procedures. Hence the major strategies that can be helpful to mitigate future climate change or adopting renewable energy sources like wind energy, hydro energy, and solar energy, being more energy efficient, helping sustainable transportation, using biofuels, promoting sustainability and afforestation (Owusu, and Asumadu-Sarkodie, 2016).
In this regard, it can be found that more than 1.4 billion people across the world are using traditional fuels, including wood and coal, in order to meet their basic needs for energy. The use of traditional fuels is extremely harmful to the environment, and it can be the reason for the premature deaths of a huge number of people across the world. It has been reported that by the end of 2035, the demand for global energy will be projected to increase by more than 50%, and in developing countries, this will be even faster (Guest, 2010). The "2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change" has published a report where it has been found that taking climate action is extremely needed, and if it is possible to take action immediately, safety limits can be established.
Current status
As found earlier the company is extremely considerate towards sustainability, and it responds positively to the impact of climate change. The company believes in focusing on increasing the strength of climate policy and regulations. Due to this, the company has designed various policies and regulations so that they can drive decarbonization in business activities. It has committed to reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases by 2030.
Recommendations
In order to reduce the use of resources for mitigating future climate change, here are some recommendations.
The use of renewable energy sources should be increased, and companies and communities should decrease their use of biofuel and traditional energy sources in order to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which leads to climate change.
Companies can strengthen their regulations and policies and should consider their business operations and production activities. Hence they will be able to reduce their impact on the environment and will be considerate towards the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Finding alternatives can also be helpful for communities as well as companies to mitigate future climate change. In this regard, companies can adopt sustainable policies and buy green tags to be more effective in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Week 5: Critically discuss approaches organizations are taking to address the people issues discussed this week
Analysis of the issue
British Petroleum (BP) has recently been facing a number of people issues. To identify and address these issues, the company has taken a range of approaches that are worth critically evaluating.
Low Morale and Stress
A major people issue for British Petroleum has been its employees' low morale and high-stress levels. To address this, British Petroleum has implemented various stress management and psychological support programs. It has also implemented an employee recognition program, which encourages staff to be more engaged in their work and encourages them to strive for excellence (Kovoor-Misra, 2019). Additionally, the company has invested in leadership development and team-building initiatives, which have enabled employees to feel more connected to the company and their colleagues.
Aging Demographic
British Petroleum has also seen an aging demographic amongst its staff. To address this, it has implemented a number of initiatives to attract younger talent and retain existing employees. British Petroleum has launched a ‘Returnship’ program, which provides career re-entry and training opportunities for those returning to the workforce after a career break. Additionally, the company has launched a ‘Ramp-up’ program, which allows people to work flexible hours and helps them to adjust to the job market (Leins, 2020). Moreover, British Petroleum is actively recruiting young people and providing them with mentorship, training, and development opportunities.
Skills Shortage
British Petroleum has experienced a skills shortage in certain areas. To overcome this, the company has invested in upskilling and reskilling initiatives. It has formed partnerships with educational institutions to provide workers with the skills and qualifications they need. British Petroleum also offers a range of apprenticeships and internships to those interested in developing their skills in specific areas (Chen et al. 2023). Furthermore, the company is investing in e-learning platforms to provide employees with access to the latest knowledge and best practices.
British Petroleum has experienced a range of people issues in recent years, from low morale and stress levels to an aging demographic and a skills shortage. To address these issues, British Petroleum has taken several approaches, such as introducing stress management and psychological support programs, launching employee recognition schemes, investing in upskilling initiatives, and providing mentorship, training, and development opportunities (Yonas and Adugna, 2021). Together, these strategies have enabled British Petroleum to create a more supportive and productive working environment for its employees.
Current Status of British Petroleum
British Petroleum (BP) is a global energy giant, with operations in over 70 countries around the world. Despite the challenges posed by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010, BP has since been able to remain a leader in the global energy industry (Khan et al. 2023) . The company is committed to investing in renewable energy sources and has recently made moves to become carbon neutral by 2050. It is currently the sixth-largest company in the world by revenue and the largest in the oil and gas industry.
Recommendations for British Petroleum
British Petroleum is facing a challenging situation. In order to improve their standing, they should take a number of steps. First and foremost, they should focus on improving their environmental practices. British Petroleum should commit to reducing their carbon footprint and making the transition towards renewable energy sources. This should include the implementation of strict environmental regulations, such as the use of renewable energy sources, Zero Waste policies, and Voluntary Emissions Reduction targets (Yuriy, 2020). Furthermore, British Petroleum should invest in sustainable practices, such as reforestation, conservation, and environmentally friendly farming methods. Second, British Petroleum should focus on increasing transparency. This should include accurate reporting of their operations and plans, as well as engaging regularly with stakeholders and the public. They should also prioritize ethical and socially responsible practices, such as equal pay and employee benefits. Third, British Petroleum should focus on developing innovative technology and investing in research and development. This should include the development of new renewable energy sources, efficient energy-saving technologies, and clean energy solutions.
Week 6: Critically discuss why it is important to enhance partnerships for sustainable development
Analysis of the issue
Sustainable development is the basis of a long-term, equitable, and responsible approach to economic, environmental, and social development. Enhancing partnerships for sustainable development, such as those between the public and private sectors, is an important part of furthering this goal. This essay provides an analysis of how British Petroleum (BP) has used its partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.
BP is an international energy company that has a strong commitment to sustainable development. Its partnerships with other companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have helped it to achieve its sustainability goals. For example, it has collaborated with other oil and gas companies on projects that reduce emissions, such as carbon capture and storage. In addition, it has partnered with the United Nations (UN) to develop projects that improve energy access in the Global South. BP has also supported several NGOs in their efforts to tackle climate change, providing both financial and technical support. Partnerships with other companies have helped BP to improve its operations and become more sustainable. For example, it has partnered with other companies to develop new technologies that can be used to reduce emissions and waste. BP has also invested in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to reduce its carbon footprint (Eweje, 2021). Additionally, it has collaborated with other companies to develop new products and services that are more energy efficient and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Partnerships with governments have also helped BP to promote and implement sustainable initiatives. For example, it has established a number of public-private partnerships with governments to reduce their carbon footprints. BP has also participated in projects that aim to improve energy access in developing countries, such as the Energy Africa initiative. In addition, it has provided financial and technical support to governments in order to help them implement clean energy projects.
Finally, BP has developed partnerships with NGOs to support their work in promoting sustainable development. For example, it has provided financial and technical support to NGOs working on environmental and social issues, such as climate change, energy access, and water scarcity. BP has also partnered with NGOs to develop projects that focus on reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy. BP's partnerships with other companies, governments, and NGOs have been instrumental in helping the company reach its sustainability goals. These partnerships have enabled BP to reduce emissions, develop new technologies, improve energy access in the Global South,
Enhancing partnerships for sustainable development is of utmost significance since it can contribute to enhancing environmental protection through sharing knowledge, mobilizing resources, and promoting environmentally sound technologies (Eakin et al., 2014).
Current status
In terms of discussing the current status of the company, it can be found that the company has created lots of partnerships so that it can meet the 17 “United Nations sustainable development goals”. The major partners of the company are Volkswagen, Amazon, Colorado steel mill, etc. This helps the company to implement external collaborations. It enhances sustainable purchasing and circularity (MacDonald, 2010).
Recommendations
In terms of building partnerships for sustainable development, here are some recommendations.
There is great importance of partnerships for sustainable development, and in this regard, companies should put their strategy first, and they should align the strategy with their business objectives so that it can be possible to form a great partnership together.
Aligning the interests of the partners is also important to enhance partnership for sustainable development. In this regard, communication about the core competencies of both organizations can make the partnership more relevant through the proper articulation of the capabilities toward sustainable development.
Additionally, aligning partnership objectives with the vision of both partners is also important for enhancing partnership for sustainable development. In this regard, the companies should maintain the relationship considering their business activities and personal interests together. Taking stakes in each other's success can be helpful to enhance partnership as well.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it can be concluded that sustainability and maintaining sustainable practices in an organization is of utmost importance since with the help of sustainable practices it is possible for organisations to reduce energy costs and they can also save energy as well. This can make companies more conscious about their actions towards maintaining environmental sustainability, and this can help the companies to be more effective at managing sustainable development. Companies can take actions towards strengthening sustainable governance and leadership, and this can increase the reputation of the companies as well.
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