An interaction and networks approach to developing sustainable organizations

Abstract

Purpose -This paper aims to present an interactions and networks approach (INA) to the issue of change for sustainability, which can bring business out of the firm-centric impasse and lead to collaborative action and transformation. Design/methodology/approach -This paper builds upon the extant relational theories in management, and presents a holistic multi-level framework (the system/network, issue-based or strategic nets, dyadic relationships and the network organization) to conceptualize change for sustainability. Findings -By adopting INA business is able to discuss: the nature and role of the network in building systems level change; the role of dyadic relations as a central mechanism for change; and the nature of organizational level capabilities necessary to enhance learning for sustainability. Research limitations/implications -Areas of future inquiry include examination of the dynamics of intra-stakeholder relationships over time, specifically the development of actors' attitudes, behavior and cognition in business networks alongside how actors perceive and capitalize on network embedded learning. Further scholarly attention in these areas can further the appreciation of how an INA can assist in building more sustainable organizational futures. Practical implications -The paper builds on the concept of "ecological literacy" at an organizational level, and considers the specific capabilities required including network visioning, orchestration and the ability to perceive the "other" as partners in creating new market realities. Moreover, it discusses the role and importance of firm "change agent power" in this regard. Originality/value -By building on an INA approach, the paper provides an important conceptual stepping stone towards the ongoing realization of sustainable organization and market forms.

Unknown Knowns and Known Unknowns: Framing the Role of Organizational Learning in Corporate Social Responsibility Development

“…In a network perspective, the sharing of information and resources is thus not only important for facilitating effective learning of existing and emerging knowledge, but also a key condition for the generation of new, co‐created knowledge (Ryan et al . ). Cramer () nevertheless highlights that the transfer of information related to changes to procedures and practices (e.g.…”

Competences for Environmental Sustainability: A Systematic Review on the Impact of Absorptive Capacity and Capabilities

“…Assimilation is reducing unsustainability of existing practises (Melissen et al 2016), while transformation is a step towards strong sustainability. Transformation requires unlearning of existing unsustainable practises, building cognitive structures for true sustainability (Maletič et al 2014;Kurucz et al 2017), and re-defining or rethinking value propositions (Ryan et al 2012;Mulder 2014;Inigo et al 2017). Assimilation and transformation are followed by the exploitation phase in which environmental knowledge is leveraged (Abareshi and Molla 2013;Cooper and Molla 2014).…”

Alinhamento de Capacidades Colaborativas para Sustentabilidade por meio do Analytic Hierarchy Process

“…A governança pode se referir a aspectos que mostram o compromisso da organização em aumentar a conscientização sobre a sustentabilidade entre si e em seus stakeholders e melhorar seus valores, iniciativas e políticas para um melhor desempenho de sustentabilidade. (Capaldo, 2007;Hartmann & Germain, 2015;Hidayah, 2016;Jiang et al, 2015;Lemmetyinen & Go, 2009;Li, Zhou, & Wu, 2017;Paulraj, 2011;Ryan et al, 2012;Schilke & Goerzen, 2010;Vanpoucke et al, 2014;Ziggers & Henseler, 2009. ) Fonte - Gonçalves (2018) Para que essas estratégias sejam implementadas, Gonçalves (2018) O AHP está entre os métodos de análise de decisão multicritério (MADM) mais utilizados (Zyoud & Fuchs-Hanusch, 2017).…”