#Japan #Sustainability Management #Minato #Japanese Management Association #Corporate Culture

The 4th Sustainability Management Issues Survey 2026

The Japan Management Association Consulting (JMAC), headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, is set to initiate the fourth round of its Sustainability Management Issues Survey starting July 24, 2026. This survey follows three previous iterations aimed at investigating the realities of sustainability management within Japanese companies.

Purpose of the Survey

The overarching aim of this survey is to pinpoint critical management issues that Japanese companies encounter while推进 sustainability management. By revealing these challenges, the survey also seeks to aid organizations in formulating decisions regarding sustainability strategies and initiatives.

Survey Overview

• - Target Participants: Managers responsible for sustainability at major companies nationwide.
• - Survey Duration: From July 24, 2026, to September 5, 2026.
• - Methodology: Conducted via a dedicated survey website.
• - Response Link: Sustainability Management Survey 2026

Background

The JMAC, part of the Japan Management Association Holdings Group, conducts this comprehensive survey in collaboration with its three affiliated entities: the Japan Management Association Management Center (JMAM), the Japan Management Association Comprehensive Research Institute (JMAR), and JMA Systems (JMAS). This effort represents a concerted approach to understanding the nuances of sustainability management as a pivotal aspect of corporate governance and societal engagement.

Your Corporate Landscape & The Culture Shift

As the concept of sustainability management continues to evolve, driven by international frameworks such as CSR, ESG investments, and the SDGs, the importance of disseminating sustainability information has now been mandated in security reports since the fiscal year ending in March 2023.

In light of these changes, companies must adapt not just in compliance but as active participants in driving organizational transformation. JMAC emphasizes that businesses adopting a proactive stance in sustainability management tend to outperform those taking a reactive approach. This highlights a growing divide among organizations, where the former leverage sustainability efforts to create opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Insights from Previous Surveys

The results from the third survey indicated that companies experiencing higher valuations (as measured by PBR) had internalized sustainability as an overarching corporate challenge. They recognized that comprehensive, proactive measures, especially towards external collaboration and talent development, are vital for deepening sustainability management. These entities are shifting towards embedding sustainability into their corporate culture, fostering pride and engagement among employees and thus supporting enduring organizational commitment.

Emphasizing the Need for Cultural Transformation

Transforming corporate culture is crucial for effective sustainability management; it cannot simply be an isolated initiative. The cultural shift encourages an ethos that values non-financial contributions and aids in increasing financial returns, thereby solidifying overall corporate value. Organizations with employees who take pride in their work create a virtuous cycle of improved morale and enhanced performance.

Strategies for Cultural Change

To facilitate this transformation, companies should focus on three key aspects:
1. Clarifying and Promoting the 'WHY': Clearly define and communicate the mission and purpose behind sustainability efforts to align employee motivation and direction.
2. Maximizing Human Capital: Enhance workplace satisfaction and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts.
3. Encouraging Continuous Challenges: Foster an organizational climate that embraces innovation by promoting sustained efforts toward change.

Conclusion

The latest survey serves as a timely tool for companies to reflect on their current sustainability landscape and plan the necessary actions to advance their corporate culture effectively. Moving from mere compliance to genuine engagement in sustainability strategies will be instrumental in achieving long-term business resilience and societal contribution.

For inquiries related to this survey, please reach out to:
JMAHD Group Joint Sustainability Management Research Office
(c/o Japan Management Association Consulting SX & Public Affairs Division)
Phone: 03-4531-4307
Email: [email protected]

About JMAC

JMAC specializes in providing management consulting services, offering strategies across various domains such as marketing, R&D, production, supply chain management, and IT services. Established in 1980, the organization has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1942, now employing roughly 370 individuals. For further details, visit JMAC Official Website.