Merging Paradigms: A framework for meeting the goals of sustainable development and corporate sustainability for cruise industry firms

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-06

The sustainable development paradigm has emerged in response to the impact of human activities on nature and society. Governments seek to balance economic development, environmental protection, and social concerns in their decision making process. Industry has also taken paradigmatic steps to achieve corporate sustainability through consideration for people, planet, and profits. These two initiatives are notable in cruise industry firms who are adjusting to demands for accountability and transparency of their business operations. A literature review provides the underpinning theory for sustainable development and corporate sustainability. The Capital Values Sustainability Framework is proposed as a conceptual model for use by individual firms engaged with sustainability initiatives. Focusing on the cruise industry, this thesis provides an assessment of sustainability reporting of 22 firms. In order to test the application of the proposed framework, a qualitative analysis of Carnival Corporation & PLC’s sustainability efforts is provided. Results indicate inconsistency in cruise industry firms reporting on sustainability performance. Two market segments are identified with considerably different reporting mechanisms. The proposed conceptual framework is useful for analyzing corporate sustainability initiatives relative to desired sustainable development outcomes. This framework provides a model for assessment and may prove valuable for firms developing sustainability initiatives that achieve both the business goals for corporate sustainability and the long-term intergenerational equity goals of sustainable development.