**4. Findings**

#### **4.1 Technology**

In terms of the technology element of a sustainability-focused KM system, the data indicated that the sample firms made use of their technological infrastructure for two main sustainability purposes: (a) to enhance their economic processes through iterative technological improvement, and (b) to share information technology knowledge with stakeholders (most notably disadvantaged segments of the population) through technological and financial literacy education. In terms of enhancing their economic processes through technological improvement, the sample firms demonstrated an ongoing investment in IT as well as technological training for employees.

*This level of profitability was in line with forecast and was achieved on the back of the strong growth, low interest margins and the Board's decision to continue to* 

**63**

customer base.

**4.2 Organisational culture**

*Knowledge Management and Its Role in Strategic Sustainability Management in the Finance…*

*invest in the business strategy, particularly Information Technology and our People* 

*Furthermore, we are continuing to implement an electronic approval system for official document, and promote the frequent use of e-forms and e-mail, and have installed bank-wide videoconferencing equipment in order to reduce the use of paper (O-Bank).*

In terms of sharing information technology knowledge with stakeholders, the sample firms demonstrated a willingness to engage with customers in order to improve financial and technological literacy, simultaneously contributing to both

*At these events, the Bank engages with customers by making them financially aware about Banking products and services, technology-based products, teach them how to use ATMs, mobile banking and internet banking, online account opening, remit-*

*To accommodate the Bank's recent shifting towards digital banking, we also invited outside experts to give talks or offer training and asked in-house experts to devise online courses so that employees could strengthen their expertise in financial technology and related issues. In addition, we actively work with a number of universities to develop training programs in an effort to seek out even more promis-*

The data demonstrated that in terms of the technology element of a sustainability-oriented KM system, technological infrastructure underpinned and enabled a wide variety of sustainability and KM processes within the firms. In their key lending and finance driven operations (i.e., economic sustainability), technological infrastructure facilitated communication, project management, reputation management, market/targeted research, and most other aspects of managing a credit provider in the modern complex financial landscape. In noneconomic sustainability areas, technology contributed primarily to the education of customers and potential customers regarding 'digital banking' and overall financial and technological capability. This has the dual benefits of providing a desirable social outcome, whilst simultaneously building the firms' potential

In terms of the organisational culture element of a sustainability-focused KM system, the data indicated that the sample firms communicated knowledge-based sustainability principles to their salient stakeholders through (a) their mission/vision statements, and (b) their dedicated sustainability reporting documents. In terms of their mission and vision statements, the sample firms consistently communicated their sustainability values and priorities (i.e., language) of sustainability to their stakeholder groups:

*To make real the vision of sustainable development, the bank commits itself to the following five key areas: corporate governance, employee care, customer relations,* 

*Since 2002, Charity Bank's innovative approach to lending and its mission to benefit society have enabled it to lend over £200 million worth of loans to hundreds of* 

*social engagement, and environmental protection (O-Bank).*

*social sector organisations across the UK (Charity Bank).*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87156*

economic and social sustainability agendas:

*tance services, etc., (Sunrise Banks).*

*ing financial innovation professionals (O-Bank).*

*(Beyond Bank Australia).*

*Knowledge Management and Its Role in Strategic Sustainability Management in the Finance… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87156*

*invest in the business strategy, particularly Information Technology and our People (Beyond Bank Australia).*

*Furthermore, we are continuing to implement an electronic approval system for official document, and promote the frequent use of e-forms and e-mail, and have installed bank-wide videoconferencing equipment in order to reduce the use of paper (O-Bank).*

In terms of sharing information technology knowledge with stakeholders, the sample firms demonstrated a willingness to engage with customers in order to improve financial and technological literacy, simultaneously contributing to both economic and social sustainability agendas:

*At these events, the Bank engages with customers by making them financially aware about Banking products and services, technology-based products, teach them how to use ATMs, mobile banking and internet banking, online account opening, remittance services, etc., (Sunrise Banks).*

*To accommodate the Bank's recent shifting towards digital banking, we also invited outside experts to give talks or offer training and asked in-house experts to devise online courses so that employees could strengthen their expertise in financial technology and related issues. In addition, we actively work with a number of universities to develop training programs in an effort to seek out even more promising financial innovation professionals (O-Bank).*

The data demonstrated that in terms of the technology element of a sustainability-oriented KM system, technological infrastructure underpinned and enabled a wide variety of sustainability and KM processes within the firms. In their key lending and finance driven operations (i.e., economic sustainability), technological infrastructure facilitated communication, project management, reputation management, market/targeted research, and most other aspects of managing a credit provider in the modern complex financial landscape. In noneconomic sustainability areas, technology contributed primarily to the education of customers and potential customers regarding 'digital banking' and overall financial and technological capability. This has the dual benefits of providing a desirable social outcome, whilst simultaneously building the firms' potential customer base.

### **4.2 Organisational culture**

In terms of the organisational culture element of a sustainability-focused KM system, the data indicated that the sample firms communicated knowledge-based sustainability principles to their salient stakeholders through (a) their mission/vision statements, and (b) their dedicated sustainability reporting documents. In terms of their mission and vision statements, the sample firms consistently communicated their sustainability values and priorities (i.e., language) of sustainability to their stakeholder groups:

*To make real the vision of sustainable development, the bank commits itself to the following five key areas: corporate governance, employee care, customer relations, social engagement, and environmental protection (O-Bank).*

*Since 2002, Charity Bank's innovative approach to lending and its mission to benefit society have enabled it to lend over £200 million worth of loans to hundreds of social sector organisations across the UK (Charity Bank).*

*Current Issues in Knowledge Management*

*Knowledge management variables and coding rules.*

Knowledge infrastructure capability

Knowledge process capability

**Table 2.**

**KM variables Coding rule**

international benchmark, the GRI has served as the basis for content analysis coding firm sustainability strategies and activities in a range of academic research disciplines [52–54]. All annual report data gathered in Stage One were entered into a codified database using the GRI definitions. Coding refers to the process of converting data into a contextual value for the purposes of storage and thematic analysis [54]. The coding was facilitated using the NVIVO (version 12) software package, which is a computer-aided qualitative data analysis tool that researchers use to organise data and conduct thematic analysis. The data were coded in a 'line-by-line'

Technology This node captures data relating to technology infrastructure

Culture This node captures data relating to organisational culture

Acquisition This node captures data relating to any knowledge acquisition from suppliers, customers, competitors and others Conversion This node captures data relating to the storage, transforming, and transportation of knowledge Application This node captures data relating to the actual application of

learning technologies

and participation

knowledge within the firm

such as IT, search and retrieval engines, KM databases, and

such as knowledge sharing, interaction, vision and mission,

In stage three, coding rules for detecting data relevant to KM were developed (see **Table 2**) by adapting the operational definitions of KM elements provided by [28], p. 319 that were described in the literature review section. The data were then entered into a codified database using the same techniques as described above for stage two. The data emanating from stage three of this content analysis process for

In terms of the technology element of a sustainability-focused KM system, the data indicated that the sample firms made use of their technological infrastructure for two main sustainability purposes: (a) to enhance their economic processes through iterative technological improvement, and (b) to share information technology knowledge with stakeholders (most notably disadvantaged segments of the population) through technological and financial literacy education. In terms of enhancing their economic processes through technological improvement, the sample firms demonstrated an ongoing investment in IT as well as technological

*This level of profitability was in line with forecast and was achieved on the back of the strong growth, low interest margins and the Board's decision to continue to* 

manner according to the process prescribed by [55].

*3.2.3 Stage three: applying a knowledge management lens*

the basis of the findings that follow.

**4. Findings**

**4.1 Technology**

training for employees.

**62**

*The NMTC program has proven to be an effective tool, helping us achieve our mission of supporting community development and stimulating economic growth in low-income communities across our region. We are pleased the CDFI is supportive of our efforts (Mascoma Bank).*

In terms of their dedicated sustainability reporting documents, the sample firms emphasised their sustainability 'success stories' in much greater detail for consumption by their stakeholder groups:

*For Triodos Bank integrating reporting does not just mean reporting on how the organisation behaves as a responsible corporate citizen—by using renewable energy to power its buildings, for example, important as this is. It means reporting in-depth on the impact of its activity in the widest sense, through the impact of its loans and investments in particular. A growing number of integrated reports suggests more businesses consider their impact on society and the environment as core to their activities (Triodos Bank).*

*Beyond Bank Australia cares about the community and is committed to environmental sustainability. This annual report has been printed on Monza Recycled, manufactured by an ISO 14001 certified mill, and contains 99% recycled fibre and elemental chlorine free pulp. All virgin pulp is derived from well-managed forests and controlled sources (Beyond Bank).*

The data demonstrated that in terms of the organisational culture element of a sustainability-oriented KM system, the sample firms utilised their culture-fostering capabilities to orient their (sometimes 'broad' and 'flat') organisational structures towards sustainability projects when feasible. Mission and vision and statements often referenced non-economic benefits such as community development, cultural preservation, and environmental conversation. With their dedicated sustainability reporting documents, firms took an active approach to managing their reputation among those external stakeholders and supply-chain partners that consume such content, branding themselves as actors for positive change and focussing on whichever particular aspect of sustainability was most appropriate for that market or industrial sector.

## **4.3 Acquisition**

In terms of the acquisition aspect of a sustainability-focused KM system, the data indicated that the sample firms acquired sustainability knowledge through two main activities: (a) exchange with stakeholders (i.e., strategic partners, investors, industrial alliances, and benchmarking organisations), and (b) targeted talent acquisition, particularly sustainability experts either from the academic or professional sphere. In terms of exchange with stakeholders, the sample firms demonstrated the capability to gather economic, environmental and social information and knowledge from partners and potential partners with greater expertise in their given field. By maintaining this exchange (beyond the initial investigation for investment purposes), the sample firms ensured that they always possessed the most up-to-date sustainability information:

*Today, citizen energy makes the 'business case' for investing in clean energy technology. The DC based consulting firm helps communities join the clean energy economy through the simplest energy efficiency upgrades, like solar power and LED lighting. The company provides integrated energy auditing, financing, value engineering,* 

**65**

**4.4 Conversion**

*Knowledge Management and Its Role in Strategic Sustainability Management in the Finance…*

*technology procurement, project management, installation, and ongoing performance management. Citizen Energy has helped building owners improve building efficiency, add value to their buildings and cut their carbon footprint by at least* 

*In keeping with its commitment to corporate social responsibility, the Bank maintains a spirit of service that values learning, innovation, and sustainability. Setting up an education foundation as early as July 2000, we draw on our corporate expertise, government support, and private resources to vigorously promote various industry-academia collaborations, technology management seminars, entrepre-*

In terms of targeted talent acquisition, the sample firms demonstrated the capability to identify and attract experts that could provide valuable assistance in assessing the sustainability potential of potential strategic partnerships, as well as

*[The Bank hopes to] become more relevant in the major shifts in energy production by financing larger projects. In parallel, we will want to use our expertise to finance smaller energy projects which contribute to a distributed energy system including* 

*This model creates value by transforming capital inputs. These inputs include the skills and entrepreneurship of the people within our organisation and money from customers, via our core products and services. It transforms these inputs into value outputs so that they make a positive contribution to the development of a healthy society that is able to flourish within our planetary limits (Triodos Bank).*

The data demonstrated that in terms of the acquisition element of a sustainability-oriented KM system, the sample firms demonstrated the ability to both 'cast a wide net' in assessing the sustainability agendas suitable for a sustainable return on investment, and the ability to 'focus in' on the specific research, technology, processes, or strategies required to target investment effectively. The firms did not appear to rely on secondary data in this regard and often engaged in productive dialogue with a wide variety of supply-chain and environmental actors, seeking to acquire a well-rounded perspective on whichever sustainability agenda they were either considering investing in, or in which they had an ongoing financial stake. These activities benefitted from the acquisition of appropriate sustainability and finance experts that were effectively integrated into existing structures and, indeed, often given a great deal of autonomy in deciding how to best contribute to a (usually

In terms of the conversion aspect of sustainability-focused KM system, the data indicated that sustainability knowledge is stored within specialised teams within the sample firms. This is particularly evident in the management of environmental sustainability information and operations regarding the renewable energy sector:

*LEAF lab (local economy alternative finance) is a dedicated innovation team working for Triodos Bank in the Netherlands. Its experiments in 2017 included 'Participating with Passion,' an initiative to connect sustainable start-ups with Triodos' private banking customers. The first private banking client invested in a* 

*neurship workshops, and art and cultural activities (O-Bank).*

guide the firms' own internal sustainability activities:

*efficiency, and energy storage (Triodos Bank).*

environmental or social) sustainability agenda.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87156*

*30% (City First Bank).*

*Knowledge Management and Its Role in Strategic Sustainability Management in the Finance… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87156*

*technology procurement, project management, installation, and ongoing performance management. Citizen Energy has helped building owners improve building efficiency, add value to their buildings and cut their carbon footprint by at least 30% (City First Bank).*

*In keeping with its commitment to corporate social responsibility, the Bank maintains a spirit of service that values learning, innovation, and sustainability. Setting up an education foundation as early as July 2000, we draw on our corporate expertise, government support, and private resources to vigorously promote various industry-academia collaborations, technology management seminars, entrepreneurship workshops, and art and cultural activities (O-Bank).*

In terms of targeted talent acquisition, the sample firms demonstrated the capability to identify and attract experts that could provide valuable assistance in assessing the sustainability potential of potential strategic partnerships, as well as guide the firms' own internal sustainability activities:

*[The Bank hopes to] become more relevant in the major shifts in energy production by financing larger projects. In parallel, we will want to use our expertise to finance smaller energy projects which contribute to a distributed energy system including efficiency, and energy storage (Triodos Bank).*

*This model creates value by transforming capital inputs. These inputs include the skills and entrepreneurship of the people within our organisation and money from customers, via our core products and services. It transforms these inputs into value outputs so that they make a positive contribution to the development of a healthy society that is able to flourish within our planetary limits (Triodos Bank).*

The data demonstrated that in terms of the acquisition element of a sustainability-oriented KM system, the sample firms demonstrated the ability to both 'cast a wide net' in assessing the sustainability agendas suitable for a sustainable return on investment, and the ability to 'focus in' on the specific research, technology, processes, or strategies required to target investment effectively. The firms did not appear to rely on secondary data in this regard and often engaged in productive dialogue with a wide variety of supply-chain and environmental actors, seeking to acquire a well-rounded perspective on whichever sustainability agenda they were either considering investing in, or in which they had an ongoing financial stake. These activities benefitted from the acquisition of appropriate sustainability and finance experts that were effectively integrated into existing structures and, indeed, often given a great deal of autonomy in deciding how to best contribute to a (usually environmental or social) sustainability agenda.

#### **4.4 Conversion**

In terms of the conversion aspect of sustainability-focused KM system, the data indicated that sustainability knowledge is stored within specialised teams within the sample firms. This is particularly evident in the management of environmental sustainability information and operations regarding the renewable energy sector:

*LEAF lab (local economy alternative finance) is a dedicated innovation team working for Triodos Bank in the Netherlands. Its experiments in 2017 included 'Participating with Passion,' an initiative to connect sustainable start-ups with Triodos' private banking customers. The first private banking client invested in a* 

*Current Issues in Knowledge Management*

*of our efforts (Mascoma Bank).*

*core to their activities (Triodos Bank).*

*and controlled sources (Beyond Bank).*

most up-to-date sustainability information:

or industrial sector.

**4.3 Acquisition**

tion by their stakeholder groups:

*The NMTC program has proven to be an effective tool, helping us achieve our mission of supporting community development and stimulating economic growth in low-income communities across our region. We are pleased the CDFI is supportive* 

In terms of their dedicated sustainability reporting documents, the sample firms emphasised their sustainability 'success stories' in much greater detail for consump-

*For Triodos Bank integrating reporting does not just mean reporting on how the organisation behaves as a responsible corporate citizen—by using renewable energy to power its buildings, for example, important as this is. It means reporting in-depth on the impact of its activity in the widest sense, through the impact of its loans and investments in particular. A growing number of integrated reports suggests more businesses consider their impact on society and the environment as* 

*Beyond Bank Australia cares about the community and is committed to environmental sustainability. This annual report has been printed on Monza Recycled, manufactured by an ISO 14001 certified mill, and contains 99% recycled fibre and elemental chlorine free pulp. All virgin pulp is derived from well-managed forests* 

The data demonstrated that in terms of the organisational culture element of a sustainability-oriented KM system, the sample firms utilised their culture-fostering capabilities to orient their (sometimes 'broad' and 'flat') organisational structures towards sustainability projects when feasible. Mission and vision and statements often referenced non-economic benefits such as community development, cultural preservation, and environmental conversation. With their dedicated sustainability reporting documents, firms took an active approach to managing their reputation among those external stakeholders and supply-chain partners that consume such content, branding themselves as actors for positive change and focussing on whichever particular aspect of sustainability was most appropriate for that market

In terms of the acquisition aspect of a sustainability-focused KM system, the data indicated that the sample firms acquired sustainability knowledge through two main activities: (a) exchange with stakeholders (i.e., strategic partners, investors, industrial alliances, and benchmarking organisations), and (b) targeted talent acquisition, particularly sustainability experts either from the academic or professional sphere. In terms of exchange with stakeholders, the sample firms demonstrated the capability to gather economic, environmental and social information and knowledge from partners and potential partners with greater expertise in their given field. By maintaining this exchange (beyond the initial investigation for investment purposes), the sample firms ensured that they always possessed the

*Today, citizen energy makes the 'business case' for investing in clean energy technology. The DC based consulting firm helps communities join the clean energy economy through the simplest energy efficiency upgrades, like solar power and LED lighting. The company provides integrated energy auditing, financing, value engineering,* 

**64**

*sustainable start-up during the year. The group also continued to develop finance for decentralised local renewable energy cooperatives. It is also co-developed a circular currency initiative, United Economy, during the year enabling sustainable entrepreneurs to trade with each other with sustainable money, or Uniteds (Triodos Bank).*

The sample firms also demonstrated an ability to communicate their sustainability knowledge to partners further down the supply-chain, in order to contribute to the achievement of broad sustainability goals such as economic strength, environmental preservation and self-efficacy for socially disadvantaged groups:

*We provided vigorous support for schools and daily assistance in remote areas: offering scholarships to outstanding young students, joining schoolchildren in celebrating the holidays, conducting financial knowledge instruction, and collecting second-hand books for donation to schools in remote areas (O-Bank).*

*The bank provides knowledge on basic accounting and tax policy for existing and prospective SME clients to enable them to cope with, and comply with government policies so that they can sustain and run their business smoothly (Sunrise Banks).*

The data demonstrated that in terms of the conversion aspect of a sustainabilityfocused KM system, the sample firms had already acquired a sufficiently sized knowledge-base that they were able to establish and operate specialised teams dedicated to various aspects of sustainable research and operations (i.e., financial investment). The most widely reported of these was teams specialising in investment in the renewable energy sector. Almost all of the sample firms reported the existence of some kind of specialised renewable energy sector team, or demonstrated a sophisticated level of renewable energy sector knowledge. In addition to this specialised and structured knowledge-base, firms demonstrated the capability to communicate both broad and specific sustainability principles, processes and information to their supply-chain partners, most notably to sources of financial capital and firms with whom they possessed a financial stake.

### **4.5 Application**

In terms of the application aspect of sustainability-focused KM system, the data indicated that all of the sample firms applied sustainability knowledge in across of their functional operations. In terms of economic sustainability, knowledge was utilised to maximise return on investment, attract investor capital, and effectively manage ongoing projects:

*Triodos Bank puts sustainable banking into practice. First and foremost, this means offering products and services that directly promote sustainability (Triodos Bank).*

*This model creates value by transforming capital inputs. These inputs include the skills and entrepreneurship of the people within our organisation and money from customers, via our core products and services. It transforms these inputs into value outputs so that they make a positive contribution to the development of a healthy society that is able to flourish within our planetary limits (Triodos Bank).*

*Become more relevant in the major shifts in energy production by financing larger projects. In parallel, we will want to use our expertise to finance smaller energy* 

**67**

*Knowledge Management and Its Role in Strategic Sustainability Management in the Finance…*

*projects which contribute to a distributed energy system including efficiency, and* 

In terms of environmental sustainability, knowledge was utilised to identify, finance and assist strategic partners in working towards the achievement of environmental conservation agendas, most notably in renewable energy markets:

*Triodos Bank and its investment funds, offered via Triodos investment management, finance and cofinance enterprises that augment the use of renewable* 

*The DC based consulting firm helps communities join the clean energy economy through the simplest energy efficiency upgrades, like solar power and LED lighting. The company provides integrated energy auditing, financing, value engineering, technology procurement, project management, installation, and ongoing performance management. Citizen energy has helped building owners improve building efficiency, add value to their buildings and cut their carbon footprint by at least 30% (City First* 

*The Bank's purchasing prioritizes and emphasizes environmental protection and suppliers that comply with green energy requirements, and we strive to engage in* 

In terms of social sustainability, knowledge was utilised to target investment towards organisations (charities, social enterprises, and philanthropic foundations)

*With its sponsorship of art events meant for charity, innovative startups, and social engagement events, our Education Foundation was a recipient of the Arts & Business Awards of the Council for Cultural Affairs in 2010 and of the 9th National Civic Service Awards of the Ministry of the Interior in 2011. These honours attest to the Bank's dedication to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility* 

*We are the financial partner for social organisations delivering services for people struggling to meet their nutritional requirements, in Europe. We finance Biosabor, in Spain, an organic agricultural company that produces 300 hectares of vegetables and fruit in a sustainable way. Good quality food surpluses are distributed to* 

The data demonstrated that in terms of the application aspect of a sustainability-

focused KM system, the sample firms demonstrated the capacity to apply their sustainability knowledge in a wide array of contexts. In an economic sustainability context, the firms demonstrated the capability to leverage their reputation in financial markets as 'sustainable' to attract suitable financial investors, maximise return on investment, and effectively manage short and long-term projects, enabling them to offer more to supply-chain partners than just financial capital. In

*resources in particular and supports projects that reduce the demand for energy and promote energy efficiency. Triodos Bank describes and independently verifies the contribution it makes to the avoided carbon emissions that result from these energy projects. We are transparent about this approach in the annual report because we think it is important that our stakeholders understand the approach we take to* 

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87156*

*energy storage (Triodos Bank).*

*these disclosures (Triodos Bank).*

*green purchasing (O-Bank).*

focussed on social sustainability goals:

*disadvantaged people (Triodos Bank).*

*Bank).*

*(O-Bank).*

*Knowledge Management and Its Role in Strategic Sustainability Management in the Finance… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87156*

*projects which contribute to a distributed energy system including efficiency, and energy storage (Triodos Bank).*

In terms of environmental sustainability, knowledge was utilised to identify, finance and assist strategic partners in working towards the achievement of environmental conservation agendas, most notably in renewable energy markets:

*Triodos Bank and its investment funds, offered via Triodos investment management, finance and cofinance enterprises that augment the use of renewable resources in particular and supports projects that reduce the demand for energy and promote energy efficiency. Triodos Bank describes and independently verifies the contribution it makes to the avoided carbon emissions that result from these energy projects. We are transparent about this approach in the annual report because we think it is important that our stakeholders understand the approach we take to these disclosures (Triodos Bank).*

*The DC based consulting firm helps communities join the clean energy economy through the simplest energy efficiency upgrades, like solar power and LED lighting. The company provides integrated energy auditing, financing, value engineering, technology procurement, project management, installation, and ongoing performance management. Citizen energy has helped building owners improve building efficiency, add value to their buildings and cut their carbon footprint by at least 30% (City First Bank).*

*The Bank's purchasing prioritizes and emphasizes environmental protection and suppliers that comply with green energy requirements, and we strive to engage in green purchasing (O-Bank).*

In terms of social sustainability, knowledge was utilised to target investment towards organisations (charities, social enterprises, and philanthropic foundations) focussed on social sustainability goals:

*With its sponsorship of art events meant for charity, innovative startups, and social engagement events, our Education Foundation was a recipient of the Arts & Business Awards of the Council for Cultural Affairs in 2010 and of the 9th National Civic Service Awards of the Ministry of the Interior in 2011. These honours attest to the Bank's dedication to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility (O-Bank).*

*We are the financial partner for social organisations delivering services for people struggling to meet their nutritional requirements, in Europe. We finance Biosabor, in Spain, an organic agricultural company that produces 300 hectares of vegetables and fruit in a sustainable way. Good quality food surpluses are distributed to disadvantaged people (Triodos Bank).*

The data demonstrated that in terms of the application aspect of a sustainabilityfocused KM system, the sample firms demonstrated the capacity to apply their sustainability knowledge in a wide array of contexts. In an economic sustainability context, the firms demonstrated the capability to leverage their reputation in financial markets as 'sustainable' to attract suitable financial investors, maximise return on investment, and effectively manage short and long-term projects, enabling them to offer more to supply-chain partners than just financial capital. In

*Current Issues in Knowledge Management*

*Bank).*

**4.5 Application**

manage ongoing projects:

*sustainable start-up during the year. The group also continued to develop finance for decentralised local renewable energy cooperatives. It is also co-developed a circular currency initiative, United Economy, during the year enabling sustainable entrepreneurs to trade with each other with sustainable money, or Uniteds (Triodos* 

The sample firms also demonstrated an ability to communicate their sustainability knowledge to partners further down the supply-chain, in order to contribute to the achievement of broad sustainability goals such as economic strength, environ-

mental preservation and self-efficacy for socially disadvantaged groups:

*second-hand books for donation to schools in remote areas (O-Bank).*

*We provided vigorous support for schools and daily assistance in remote areas: offering scholarships to outstanding young students, joining schoolchildren in celebrating the holidays, conducting financial knowledge instruction, and collecting* 

*The bank provides knowledge on basic accounting and tax policy for existing and prospective SME clients to enable them to cope with, and comply with government policies so that they can sustain and run their business smoothly (Sunrise Banks).*

focused KM system, the sample firms had already acquired a sufficiently sized knowledge-base that they were able to establish and operate specialised teams dedicated to various aspects of sustainable research and operations (i.e., financial investment). The most widely reported of these was teams specialising in investment in the renewable energy sector. Almost all of the sample firms reported the existence of some kind of specialised renewable energy sector team, or demonstrated a sophisticated level of renewable energy sector knowledge. In addition to this specialised and structured knowledge-base, firms demonstrated the capability to communicate both broad and specific sustainability principles, processes and information to their supply-chain partners, most notably to sources of financial

capital and firms with whom they possessed a financial stake.

The data demonstrated that in terms of the conversion aspect of a sustainability-

In terms of the application aspect of sustainability-focused KM system, the data indicated that all of the sample firms applied sustainability knowledge in across of their functional operations. In terms of economic sustainability, knowledge was utilised to maximise return on investment, attract investor capital, and effectively

*Triodos Bank puts sustainable banking into practice. First and foremost, this means offering products and services that directly promote sustainability (Triodos Bank).*

*This model creates value by transforming capital inputs. These inputs include the skills and entrepreneurship of the people within our organisation and money from customers, via our core products and services. It transforms these inputs into value outputs so that they make a positive contribution to the development of a healthy society that is able to flourish within our planetary limits (Triodos Bank).*

*Become more relevant in the major shifts in energy production by financing larger projects. In parallel, we will want to use our expertise to finance smaller energy* 

**66**

an environmental context, the firms demonstrated the capability to interact with environmental preservation and conservation agendas in a sophisticated manner. All of the sample firms targeted investments in the environmental sector, most commonly renewable energy but also agendas such as sustainable agriculture and flora and fauna preservation. Given the economic obligations of the firms, environmental investments were selected that could also provide a competitive return on investment margin. In a social sustainability context, financial resources were directed towards organisations that offered to contribute to the ongoing wellbeing of societal units, most often at the community level. Such investments were often integrated with economic and environmental sustainability goals.
