From commitment to action: aligning Corporate Social Responsibility with Sustainable Development Goals in the health sector

Abstract

Background: Integrating Corporate Social Responsibility with Sustainable Development Goals is an opportunity to enhance sustainability in the health sector. However, its implementation faces challenges related to governance, the involvement of key participants, and resource allocation. Methods: This qualitative study analyses how health institutions in Catalonia are incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility focused on Sustainable Development Goals. Ten professionals from five institutions of the Comprehensive Public Health System in Catalonia participated in semi-structured interviews. Atlas.ti was used for thematic analysis. Results: Our findings underscore the critical role of institutional leadership, the establishment of participatory governance structures, and the implementation of strategic plans aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals as key drivers for the successful adoption of sustainability policies. Moreover, the study highlights the significance of effective internal communication and staff coaching in fostering and consolidating a sustainable organisational culture. Nevertheless, barriers such as lack of resources, resistance to organisational change, and the absence of clear evaluation and accountability mechanisms were explicitly identified in some institutions. Conclusion: To reinforce Corporate Social Responsibility in the health sector, this study recommends consolidating inter-institutional collaboration, improving strategic planning through sustainability indicators, and encouraging active participation of all parties involved. Effective integration of Sustainable Development Goals in health management requires surmounting structural barriers and instituting committed leadership to drive change and achieve a more sustainable organisation. By embracing sustainable practices, healthcare organisations can become leading agents of social, economic, and environmental transformation.