Enhancing sustainability literacy among criminal justice professionals through the application of balanced scorecard: With reference to Sustainable Development Goal 16

Abstract

Balanced Scorecard is a popular management model for transforming vision into reality. Meanwhile, sustainability literacy among professionals working in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) is crucial to achieve the 16th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). However, drawbacks in the Sri Lankan CJS illustrated a dire inadequacy in this regard. Thus, what hinders the attainment of sustainability literacy among CJS professionals is the stated research problem. Therefore, this research was conducted to examine the feasibility of incorporating the Balanced Scorecard model as a means of developing viable solutions to eliminate issues associated with a lack of sustainability literacy among CJS professionals. The study utilised a qualitative research design, with purposively selected literature sources on 16th SDG targets and drawbacks in the Sri Lankan CJS. Following its content analysis, the Balanced Scorecard was applied to the 16th SDG. This research identified that achieving the 16th SDG should be the vision, while the associated targets should be the working strategies. Application of the learning and growth component identified the importance of a knowledge-based system with field experience, outbound training, and career satisfaction. The internal process component emphasised the significance of operational workflows specific to each offence in addressing targets 16.2 and 16.4. Moreover, to achieve target 16. A necessity of skills aligning with respective roles was observed. The customer component recognised the importance of a client-centred approach and inclusive mindsets as necessary to address Target 16. B, while customer-specific knowledge and skills were identified as necessary to address targets 16.2 and 16.4. Finally, the finance component demonstrated the necessity of conducting a cost-benefit analysis for each CJS initiative. Moreover, aligning with targets 16.5 and 16.6, work ethics based on transparency and accountability are underscored. Therefore, since the core constituent and four encompassing elements are designed to promote professionalism, integrating the Balanced Scorecard will enhance sustainability literacy among CJS professionals. However, further studies are required to develop an indicator to quantify levels of sustainability literacy.