The pursuit of sustainability by a global commercial bank

Abstract

"What is Corporate Social Responsibility?" "How can it be achieved?" These questions have been central themes in business management for the last decade. In particular, protecting the global environment is now recognized as common wisdom throughout the world. In fact, many companies worldwide have initiated steps to challenge environmental issues, and various methods have been developed to measure the impact. It must be said, however, that most companies have not directed their attentions to economic and social issues, such as human rights and poverty, on which companies can exert enormous influence. This thesis examines the next courses of action for the commercial banking industry in its efforts to pursue global sustainability. Already commercial banks have as their primary mission to circulate money in a global society. In this thesis, I explore a revolution in global banking in terms of habits of thought and action, and habitual artifacts. First, I address current discussions among international organizations about global sustainability, including the serious impacts stemming from the current world financial crisis, and the policies and activities of commercial banks. Second, I research recent examples of multinational companies and NGOs that are striving to understand and mitigate the negative impacts to society. Finally, I explore how to design a global commercial banking system that helps commercial banks achieve their goal of sustainability.