Principle 4 | Research
We will engage in conceptual and empirical research that advances our understanding about the role, dynamics, and impact of corporations in the creation of sustainable social, environmental and economic value.
Sustainability-Related Faculty Research Conducted 2016-18
Faculty Awards
Dr. Sime Curkovic, professor of management, and his colleagues were awarded the most cited paper that was originally presented at the inaugural conference of SDEWES (International Center for Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems.) Curkovic, S., Sroufe, R., and Melnyk, S.A. “Identifying the Factors Which Affect the Decision to Attain ISO 14000.” Journal of Energy, vol. 30, no. 8, June 2005, pp. 1387-1707.
Dr. Timothy Palmer, professor of management, was named the first sustainability champion by the Western Michigan University’s Office for Sustainability. This award honors Palmer's commitment to guiding and promoting the future of sustainable business practices through his work as director of WMU's Center for Sustainable Business Practices and his ongoing facilitation of study abroad trips to India to learn about cross-culture collaboration and sustainability.
Faculty Research
2016
Curkovic, S., and Sroufe, R., “A Literature Review and Taxonomy of Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing,” American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, Vol. 6, No. 3, 2016, p. 323-347.
Palmer, T. B., & Flanagan, D.J. (2016). "The sustainable company: Looking at goals for people, planet and profits." Journal of Business Strategy, 37(6): 28-38.
2017
Wang, X., Feng, M., Chen, K., "Exploring Variations of Corporate Social Responsibility Across Business Sectors and Geographic Scope," Journal of Applied Business and Economics, 18(7), pp. 65-78, 2017.
Wang, X., Feng, M., Palmer, T., "Corporate Social Responsibility and Other Value-Creating Investments on Corporate Financial Performance," International Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management, 5(2), pp. 127-148, 2017.
Cao, Y., Feng, M., Wang, X., "Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting: A Descriptive Study Across Industries," Journal of Applied Business and Economics, 18(7), pp. 11-22, 2017.
Ross, J., Valenzuela, M., Intindola, M., and Flinchbaugh, C., "Preparing Potential Leaders: Facilitating a Learning Experience on LMX and Fairness in the Workplace," The International Journal of Management Education, 15(1), 84-97, 2017.
Pittz, T., Intindola, M., Benson, P., and Kalargiros, M., (2017). “Opportunity or Opportunism? An Examination of International Recruitment Via Employer and Nation Branding Strategies.” Business and Professional Ethics Journal, 36(2), 1-20, 2017.
Sustainability Faculty-Staff Learning Community
Faculty and professional support staff within the Haworth College of Business comprise our learning community focused on sustainability. The community has included members representing student advising, the college’s career center, and faculty from accountancy, business information systems, finance and commercial law, ISM, management and marketing. During the 2016-18 period, the community toured a number of local organizations to learn about sustainable operations. We also undertook a common book read and discussions of, Door to Door. The Magnificent, Maddening, Mysterious World of Transportation.
Student research
Combs and Poole in Alaska
Each year, a group of students from Western Michigan University volunteer to participate in the Volunteer Tax and Loan Program. This program is run by the Alaska Business Development Center (ABDC), a nonprofit corporation that provides free tax services to rural Alaskan residents.
The group, headed by Dr. Fritz Allhoff, professor of philosophy, and WMU students from Michigan. This was the fourth year Allhoff has led a tax assistance delegation to remote villages in western Alaska. In addition to support from WMU's Haworth College of Business and Department of Philosophy, the program is co-funded by the federal government, Alaska Business Development Center and various native corporations.
The students participating in 2018 were:
- Kayla Combs, a senior from Three Rivers majoring in accountancy.
- Nick Labadie, a senior from Davison majoring in accountancy.
- Kayla Poole, a senior from Jackson majoring in aviation management and operations.
- Kaylee Ronn, a junior from Negaunee majoring in finance.
"Through both of my volunteer trips, I prepared nearly 170 tax returns, stayed in four different villages, traveled on both small and large airplanes, and had some remarkable experiences. Some of the most memorable experiences include native Eskimo dancing, seeing ice fishing and dog sledding, talking with the local people, trying all sorts of native food, and experiencing the adventures that come with traveling throughout rural Alaska. Overall, the Volunteer Tax and Loan Program provided me with an amazing opportunity to learn a new skill and experience a new culture while helping to provide needed tax services to local residents. I would recommend this volunteer opportunity to anyone looking to go on an adventure while building his or her skill set," says senior Kayla Poole.
Green
Avery Green, a senior from Eau Claire double majoring in fashion design and electronic business marketing, received the $10,000 Brian Patrick Thomas Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for his clothing company House of Pariah. The business is a fashion startup that places an emphasis on representation and nonconformity. The brand seeks to reduce its impact on the planet by focusing on sustainability. House of Pariah currently offers stylish, environmentally friendly underwear for men.
Green was a participant in Starting Gate, Western Michigan University's student business accelerator that gives students resources to develop their startup companies. It is located in downtown Kalamazoo and operated by the Haworth College of Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
"I came into Starting Gate with just a vague idea of what I wanted my business to be," says Green. "The fact that it has grown so much in just one year ... absolutely amazes me. I plan to use this award to produce my first line of basics, to fund my launch event and to cover marketing expenses. It is the key for turning my business idea into a reality."