Organizational Values as Enablers for the Circular Economy and Sustainability

Abstract

The transition towards the circular economy (CE) requires that organizational values be examined in more depth and understood more fully, which can encourage innovation and sustainable attitudes. The majority of the studies on this matter, however, only address the technical aspects of the transition to a CE. The aim of this paper was to identify and analyze those organizational values that are essential for sustaining a culture that incorporates concepts of circularity and sustainability. Using a multi-method approach, we identified a list of 29 circular values and proposed a definition for each one. The values identified were discussed with regard to their importance in achieving sustainability. By way of a case study we also exemplified the adoption of circular values and how the specific organization we studied is nurturing those values. This seminal study enriches discussion of the importance of soft factors for the transition to a CE. It also embraces the relevance of human resource management in organizations for boosting sustainability.

Operational Management: a case analysis of a multiple services cooperative in Peru

“…On the other hand, the results obtained with question two emphasize the institutional values that are promoted and cultivated in the cooperative for a good working environment within the cooperative. That is why the results collected are supported by the theory of Barboza et al (2021) who aimed to identify and study the institutional values that allow companies to have a culture that incorporates concepts of circularity and sustainability. They concluded that if there is a desire to achieve high efficiency and productivity in the organization, it must have an effective control in the management of operations.…”

“…It was concluded that a certain percentage of users did not comply with the port's operational management norms; therefore, an improvement plan was proposed to show efficient results in the operational management of the unloading area. Also, Barboza et al (2021) mentioned that they aimed to identify and study the institutional values that allow companies to have a culture that incorporates concepts of circularity and sustainability. To achieve their results, they used the multimethod approach and identified 29 circulating values; however, they added that organizations should cultivate their own institutional values, such as motivation, respect, integrity, excellence and prosperity.…”