The Role of Sustainability in WSP Group’s Long-Term Strategy and Competitive Advantage

Abstract

Sustainability is a part of the global system, it is not an isolated section of any one of the entities within it. Globalization, despite its positive potential has contributed to immense social distress. The growth in population coupled with rising economic developments is primarily responsible for the progressive degradation of the earth's resources. The construction industry in particular is responsible for extracting materials directly from natural resources. A few engineering consultants like WSP are trying their best to mitigate some of its worst effects by providing end to end sustainable solutions, based on local regulations, requirements and standards, to their clients by replacing the legacy of non-sustainable infrastructure with increasingly more sustainable processes, systems and technologies. This dissertation aims at researching the long-term needs of clients of WSP Group as well as analysing the company’s position on sustainability, relative to its competitors, with the aim of identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation in order to help WSP achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Business ethics is a core principle of WSP’s sustainable business and is an integral part of the company’s sustainability strategy, which condemns corrupt and fraudulent practices. This dissertation also assesses how the company is living up to its values and how effectively the company’s business ethics policy is implemented across the organization, in order to meet compliance requirements, as well as stakeholders’ expectations