Date of Award

Spring 2020

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Advisor(s)

Eun-Hee Kim

Abstract

This research aims to elaborate on previous studies in the areas of corporate attitudes toward sustainability and the motivating factors of corporate sustainability strategy. It relies on the work of other scholars in this area, regarding the role played by corporate workforce diversity in affecting workplace culture, and how differing generational values may play into this equation. As such, I aim to explore the affect that workplace age diversity (i.e. different generations in the workplace) has on corporate attitudes toward sustainability expressed in 10-K reports and company sustainability reports My resulting research questions are as follows: Is there a significant difference in the way younger vs. older firms talk about environmental issues? Do firms have noticeable generational divides regarding belief of the seriousness of climate change and how to approach the climate crisis? To explore this topic, I have developed a research plan relying on both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Specifically, I intend to analyze 10-K and sustainability report language using natural language processing software, coding each firm with a composite score measuring how authentic its tone is in regards to sustainability issues issues. This data will be analyzed through a generational lens, with aim of finding some significant difference in attitude of younger vs. older firms. I expect to find that firms with a higher percentage of Baby Boomer workforce will express an overall more reactionary attitude towards climate change and will use less authentic language. The results of this research will hopefully add a new understanding to what role age diversity plays in undertaking different environmental initiatives.

Download

Share

COinS