Stakeholders and environmental sustainability in poultry companies

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between stakeholders and sustainability is symbiotic, as stakeholder participation is essential to corporate sustainability. Companies that involve their stakeholders in their sustainability strategy can manage risks, innovate, improve their reputation, and build stronger relationships. In contrast, stakeholders influence companies through their expectations and demands on economic, social, and environmental issues. Objective: This paper analyzes the relationship between stakeholders and environmental sustainability at the Centro Avícola Pérez company, located in the Ambato Canton, Ecuador. Method: The study is a field research study using a questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 62 stakeholders. For the research, the environmental subsystem dimension is considered, comprising the following indicators: environmental management, climate strategy, and environmental performance. A theoretical framework was developed that relates stakeholders, ecological sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. Results: The assessment of the stakeholders interviewed reveals deficiencies in the components of the indicators analyzed, confirming the existing challenges in the development of environmental strategies and management, particularly those related to the lack of management, monitoring, and evaluation capacities and tools to ensure that actions are practical and sustainability is guaranteed over time. Conclusion: Regarding environmental management, stakeholders recognize intentions and behaviors aimed at preventing ecological problems and greater environmental responsibility. Still, they also note that the development and dissemination of environmentally friendly technologies are limited. Regarding climate strategy, most stakeholders appreciate that the Pérez poultry company invests in climate change mitigation projects. Still, a large majority also fail to grasp its contribution to the country's climate change strategy.