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An ecosystemic framework for business sustainability

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  • Sun, Jiazhe
  • Wu, Shunan
  • Yang, Kaizhong

Abstract

This article introduces an ecosystemic framework to foster innovation for business sustainability. We emphasize the idea of systemic thinking in which the business operates as a system similar to a living organism. In this framework, businesses impact the environment in which they operate in a fluid, dynamic, and interdependent way. This approach contrasts with the linear approach commonly used in business and other disciplines, which tries to explain what might cause an action or reaction but ignores any feedback effect between the subsequent action and its cause. This article offers practical solutions and guidance for business leaders to incorporate complexity science into creating sustainable businesses.

Suggested Citation

  • Sun, Jiazhe & Wu, Shunan & Yang, Kaizhong, 2018. "An ecosystemic framework for business sustainability," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 61(1), pages 59-72.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:61:y:2018:i:1:p:59-72
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2017.09.006
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    2. Ahmed Al-Sulaiti & Abdel Magid Hamouda & Hussein Al-Yafei & Galal M. Abdella, 2024. "Innovation-Based Strategic Roadmap for Economic Sustainability and Diversity in Hydrocarbon-Driven Economies: The Qatar Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-25, April.
    3. 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.
    4. Roberto Aprile & David Alexander & Federica Doni, 2023. "Enhancing the materiality principle in integrated reporting by adopting the General Systems Theory," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(5), pages 2219-2233, September.
    5. Eirini Triantafyllidou & Anastasia Zabaniotou, 2022. "From Theory to Praxis: ‘Go Sustainable Living’ Survey for Exploring Individuals Consciousness Level of Decision-Making and Action-Taking in Daily Life Towards a Green Citizenship," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 2(1), pages 113-139, March.
    6. S. Sinan Erzurumlu & Stephen Deets & David Nersessian & Vikki L. Rodgers, 2023. "Strategic engagement of business with Sustainable Development Goals: A systems thinking approach," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(7), pages 4954-4969, November.
    7. Daniel R. Gomes & Neuza Ribeiro & Gabriela Gomes & Eduardo Ortega & Ana Semedo, 2024. "Green HRM’s Effect on Employees’ Eco-Friendly Behavior and Green Performance: A Study in the Portuguese Tourism Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-17, November.
    8. Max M. Weber, 2023. "The Relationship between Resilience and Sustainability in the Organizational Context—A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-26, November.
    9. Oluwasoye P. Mafimisebi & Adekunle I. Ogunsade, 2022. "Unlocking a Continent of Opportunity: Entrepreneurship and Digital Ecosystems for Value Creation in Africa," FIIB Business Review, , vol. 11(1), pages 11-22, March.

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