Purpose-The purpose of this research is to explore core contributions from two different approaches to complexity management in organisations aiming to improve their sustainability,: the Viable Systems Model (VSM), and the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS). It is proposed to perform this by summarising the main insights each approach offers to understanding organisational transformations aiming to improve sustainability; and by presenting examples of applied research on each case and reflecting on the learning emerging from them. Design/methodology/approach-An action science approach was followed: the conceptual framework used in each case was first presented, which then illustrates its application through a case study; at the first one the VSM framework supports an organisational transformation towards sustainability in a community; the second one is a quantitative case study of intended greening of two firms in the supermarket industry, taken from a CAS perspective. The learning from each case study on how they support/explain organisational learning in transformations towards more sustainable organisations was illustrated. Findings-It wase found that the VSM and the CAS approaches offer internally consistent and complementary insights to address issues of self-organisation and adaptive management for sustainability improvement: while CAS explains empowerment of bottom-up learning processes in organisations, VSM enables a learning context where self-organised networks can co-evolve for improved sustainability. Research limitations/implications-The main aspects of both theories and examples of their explanatory power to support learning in practical applications in organisations were introduced. The initial findings indicate that it will be worth studying in greater depth the contributions to organisational learning from both conceptual models and more widely comparing their applications and insights. Practical implications-The paper offers some guidance to both researchers and practitioners interested in using complex systems theories in action research-oriented projects, regarding the usability and applicability of both approaches. Originality/value-It is considered that, by better understanding organisational ability to adapt and self-regulate on crucial issues for sustainability, it may help to develop one path through the ongoing socio-ecological crisis. While much has been written about sustainability initiatives and governance from conventional perspectives, much less is known about how a complex systems framework may help to address one's pressing sustainability needs. These issues from two innovative complexity approaches as well as the value of using them in action research were illustrated.
2011-justconnect.tk a complexity approach to sustainability theory and-a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application author angela espinosa jul 2011 document about a complexity approach to sustainability a complexity, a complexity approach to sustainability theory and-ebook pdf a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application author angela espinosa jul 2011 verified book library ebook pdf a complexity approach to, a complexity approach to sustainability theory and-a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application series on complexity science 1st edition by angela espinosa jon walker 2011 hardcover online books database, document about a complexity approach to sustainability-a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application author angela espinosa jul 2011 document about a complexity approach to sustainability theory and, a complexity approach to sustainability theory and-a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application angela espinosa jon walker no preview available 2011 about the author 2011, a complexity approach to sustainability theory and-a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application by author angela espinosa hull university business school uk jon walker independent researcher, a complexity approach to sustainability theory and-a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application series on complexity science 1st edition by angela espinosa jon walker 2011 hardcover on amazon, a complexity approach to sustainability theory and-get this from a library a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application angela ma espinosa salazar jon walker a major challenge of our times, a complexity approach to sustainability theory and-this is the important message of a book by angela espinosa and jon walker 2 responses to a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application, a complexity approach to sustainability theory and-approach to sustainability theory and application by author angela complexity approach to sustainability theory a by angela espinosa jon walker 2011, a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application-angela espinosa jon walker 2011 a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application world scientific books world scientific publishing co pte ltd, complexity approach to sustainability a theory and-complexity approach to sustainability a theory and application by angela espinosa 9781848165274 available at book depository with free delivery worldwide, a complexity approach to sustainability worldscientific coma complexity approach to sustainability theory and application by author angela espinosa hull university business school uk jon walker independent a, a complexity approach to sustainability theory and-a complexity approach to sustainability 2011 a complexity approach to sustainability theory and application angela espinosa
A review of current literature on sustainability standards reveals a significant gap between their adoption and the implementation of sustainability into every level of the organisation. In this paper, it is argued that in order to overcome this challenge, an appropriate model of an organisation is needed. The Viable System Model (VSM) is proposed as such a model and, in order to illustrate this argument, it is used to interpret the ISO 26000 standard on Social Responsibility (SR). First, the VSM theory is introduced and presented by modelling the hypothetical company Widget Co. Then, the clauses of ISO 26000 are mapped on the Widget Co. model, together with detailed descriptions and examples on the organisational and managerial implications of its adopting the standard's guidelines. The result is the identification of generic SR functions that need to be performed by the various organisational governance systems, as well as their dynamic interrelations, thus clarifying implementation issues. Moreover, by identifying different SR management layers, VSM is suggested as a way forward to develop an integration model for SR issues and respective sustainability tools. Finally, a discussion is given on the implications of using this approach to integrate sustainability standards; and the way this research contributes to recent developments in sustainability research.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.