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How durable is sustainable enterprise? Ecological sustainability meets the reality of tough economic times

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  • Sekerka, Leslie E.
  • Stimel, Derek

Abstract

Today's business leaders are pressed to achieve ecological (eco) sustainable enterprise, but must do so with fewer resources. Given a protracted global recession, our concern is that the motivation for eco-sustainability may not be as strong as hoped for, nor as swift or durable as expected. To create a more explicit discourse on eco-sustainability activities during a recession, we set forth a framework to help business leaders examine their strategic perspective based on their organization's identity. We describe how this may influence how leaders broach change within their organizations, taking a surface or deep approach to achieve eco-sustainability. The intent is to highlight the importance of honestly assessing the firm's purpose and to work toward a more relational orientation in the new economy. To establish eco-sustainability during this recessionary period, we believe a middle path is needed, adopting a blended perspective. To this end, we offer three practical steps to begin this effort: reflection on the firm's values, development of relationships, and cultivation of different forms of change.

Suggested Citation

  • Sekerka, Leslie E. & Stimel, Derek, 2011. "How durable is sustainable enterprise? Ecological sustainability meets the reality of tough economic times," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 54(2), pages 115-124, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:54:y::i:2:p:115-124
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    1. repec:ipg:wpaper:2014-496 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Mohamed Akli Achabou & Sihem Dekhili & Linda Prince, 2014. "Proactive CSR: Analytical Hierarchy Process And Empirical Assessment In The French Context," Working Papers 2014-75, Department of Research, Ipag Business School.
    3. David Teh & Tehmina Khan & Brian Corbitt & Chin Eang Ong, 2020. "Sustainability strategy and blockchain-enabled life cycle assessment: a focus on materials industry," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 40(4), pages 605-622, December.
    4. Daina Mazutis, 2014. "Supererogation: Beyond Positive Deviance and Corporate Social Responsibility," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 119(4), pages 517-528, February.
    5. Marco Bertoni, 2017. "Introducing Sustainability in Value Models to Support Design Decision Making: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-31, June.
    6. Hillman, Joanne & Axon, Stephen & Morrissey, John, 2018. "Social enterprise as a potential niche innovation breakout for low carbon transition," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 445-456.
    7. repec:ipg:wpaper:2014-075 is not listed on IDEAS
    8. Marshall, Donna & O’Dochartaigh, Aideen & Prothero, Andrea & Reynolds, Orlagh & Secchi, Enrico, 2023. "Are you ready for the sustainable, biocircular economy?," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 66(6), pages 805-816.
    9. repec:cpn:umkjpm:v:3:y:2012:p:67-81 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Zahir Dossa & Katrin Kaeufer, 2014. "Understanding Sustainability Innovations Through Positive Ethical Networks," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 119(4), pages 543-559, February.

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