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Systems Thinking Approach to Sustainable Performance in RAMSAR Sites

Author

Listed:
  • Jacqueline Y. Sánchez-García

    (Escuela de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Universidad Panamericana, Álvaro del Portillo 49, Zapopan, Jalisco 45010, Mexico)

  • Ana Gabriela Ramírez-Gutiérrez

    (ESDAI, Universidad Panamericana, Álvaro del Portillo 49, Zapopan, Jalisco 45010, Mexico)

  • Juan E. Núñez-Ríos

    (Escuela de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Universidad Panamericana, Álvaro del Portillo 49, Zapopan, Jalisco 45010, Mexico)

  • Pedro Pablo Cardoso-Castro

    (School of Business and Law, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS13HU, UK)

  • Omar G. Rojas

    (Escuela de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Universidad Panamericana, Álvaro del Portillo 49, Zapopan, Jalisco 45010, Mexico)

Abstract

This article explores and validates the integrated use of the viable system model (VSM) and the partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) approach to assess the sustainable management of RAMSAR sites carrying out economic activities. This work adopts a systems-thinking approach integrating systemic methodologies in three phases: (1) the VSM was first used to develop a conceptual model of the organisational problem; (2) PLS-PM was used to propose a construct to outline a solution, as well as to statistically validate the relationships proposed in the conceptual model; finally, (3) through the VSM, the relationships between actors were rethought in order to promote sustainable performance. The results obtained suggest that the joint use of VSM and PLS-PM is an effective approach that aids in the identification of relational and structural pathologies affecting the observed RAMSAR systems. It also proved useful to suggest that relationships can lead to the sustainable performance of the sites under study. It should be noted that the framework of systemic tools is constrained in its application to the organisational domain: assessing two RAMSAR areas in Mexico. Methodologically, this is the first application of the integrated use of VSM and PLS-PM to analyse the management and viability/sustainability of RAMSAR areas from an organisational perspective, opening a new avenue for the analysis and optimisation of management of such areas. This study provides tools to support actors and academics related to RAMSAR sites and opens up a discussion on how to rethink the organisational interactions in order to improve RAMSAR sites’ adaptive capabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacqueline Y. Sánchez-García & Ana Gabriela Ramírez-Gutiérrez & Juan E. Núñez-Ríos & Pedro Pablo Cardoso-Castro & Omar G. Rojas, 2019. "Systems Thinking Approach to Sustainable Performance in RAMSAR Sites," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-21, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:22:p:6469-:d:287956
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marianna Cavada & Chris Bouch & Chris Rogers & Michael Grace & Alexander Robertson, 2021. "A Soft Systems Methodology for Business Creation: The Lost World at Tyseley, Birmingham," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 6(1), pages 32-48.
    2. Adelina Hrițuc & Laurențiu Slătineanu & Oana Dodun & Gheorghe Nagîț & Margareta Coteață & Marius Andrei Boca & Vasile Ermolai, 2021. "Sustainable Manufacture of Bearing Bushing Parts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-18, September.
    3. Juan E. Núñez-Ríos & Jacqueline Y. Sánchez-García & Omar G. Rojas & Elias Olivares-Benitez, 2020. "Factors to Foster Organizational Sustainability in Tourism SMEs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-21, October.
    4. Juan E. Núñez-Ríos & Norman Aguilar-Gallegos & Jacqueline Y. Sánchez-García & Pedro Pablo Cardoso-Castro, 2020. "Systemic Design for Food Self-Sufficiency in Urban Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-25, September.
    5. Ana Gabriela Ramírez-Gutiérrez & Pedro Pablo Cardoso-Castro & Ricardo Tejeida-Padilla, 2021. "A Methodological Proposal for the Complementarity of the SSM and the VSM for the Analysis of Viability in Organizations," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 34(3), pages 331-357, June.

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