The forgotten pillar of sustainability: development of the S-assessment tool to evaluate Organizational Social Sustainability

Abstract

Pursuing sustainable development has become a global imperative, underscored adopting of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). At the heart of this agenda lies the recognition of social sustainability as a pivotal component, emphasizing the need for inclusive societies where every individual can thrive. Despite its significance, social sustainability remains a "forgotten pillar," often overshadowed by environmental concerns. In response, this paper presents the development and validation of the S-Assessment Tool for Social Sustainability, a comprehensive questionnaire designed to evaluate organizations' performance across critical dimensions such as health and wellness, gender equality, decent work, and economic growth, reducing inequalities, and responsible production and consumption. The questionnaire was constructed on the critical dimensions identified through a systematic and narrative hybrid approach to the analysis of peer-reviewed literature. The framework has been structured around the values of the SDGs. It aims to empower organizations to better understand and address their social impact, fostering positive change and contributing to the collective effort towards a more equitable and sustainable future. Through collaborative partnerships and rigorous methodology, this research underscores the importance of integrating social sustainability into organizational practices and decision-making processes, ultimately advancing the broader agenda of sustainable development.