Social sustainability in logistics businesses: Content analysis of sustainability reports

Logistics, as a fundamental service sector that enables the flow of goods and services from producers to consumers, has significant impacts on society and the environment. The increasing interest and awareness in sustainability practices in recent years has led to the diversification and development of approaches in this area. In the context of sustainability, the evaluation of the impacts of logistics businesses on society and the environment and the adjustment of their business processes according to these evaluations are a reflection of the increasing awareness and sense of responsibility of society. This approach is seen as a way for businesses to contribute to social development by developing more effective social responsibility strategies. In this context, it is expected that the concept of social sustainability will gain increasing importance in the logistics sector. In this study, using qualitative research methods, the scope and quality of the social dimension of sustainability in the sustainability reports and mission-vision statements of logistics businesses that are members of the International Transportation and Logistics Service Providers Association (UTIKAD) were examined, and the expressions related to social sustainability indicators included in the sustainability reports were analyzed using content analysis methods. The study aims to interpret how close the logistics companies that publish sustainability reports are to the universal social sustainability principles (GRI). As a result of the comprehensive literature review, a conceptual analysis was obtained by highlighting the differences between the concepts of "corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and social sustainability." The research findings show that, while social dimensions are given at least as much attention as environmental dimensions in sustainability reports, the scope of social sustainability indicators is limited. Logistics companies included in the study are observed to have deficiencies in adopting sustainability policies. This situation makes it difficult for businesses to start the reporting process before establishing their own policies to create a standard foundation for their sustainability efforts, identify their corporate sustainability visions and values, and define these goals and strategies. Additionally, the study reveals a widespread trend of using sustainability reports for promotional and customer satisfaction purposes, rather than as transparent and comprehensive documents that cover all dimensions of sustainability.