Insights into triple bottom line integration from a learning organization perspective

Purpose – The notion of sustainability has been evolving and is increasingly understood to encompass considerations of economic viability, as well as environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The paper seeks to explore how linking these seemingly disparate pillars of sustainability may be facilitated through a management orientation supporting continual adaptability and learning. Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and critical analysis. Findings – The relevance of core organizational learning characteristics to different aspects of sustainability performance is outlined. The paper generally supports the view that a heightened propensity for learning ensures that organizations are better equipped for meeting the challenge of triple bottom line integration. Originality/value – Linking two traditionally separate and encapsulated areas of research, namely the area of corporate sustainability and the area of learning organizations/organizational learning.