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The Professional Logic of Sustainability Managers: Finding Underlying Dynamics

Author

Listed:
  • Tommy Borglund

    (Örebro University School of Business)

  • Magnus Frostenson

    (Örebro University School of Business
    Østfold University College)

  • Sven Helin

    (Örebro University School of Business
    Østfold University College)

  • Katarina Arbin

    (Örebro University School of Business
    University of Gävle)

Abstract

The role of the Sustainability Manager (SM) is expanding. Whether SMs are turning into a new profession is under debate. Pointing to the need for a distinct professional logic to qualify as a profession, we identify what is contained within a professional logic of SMs. Through analyzing ambiguities present in the role of the SMs, we show that there is no specific distinct professional logic of SMs, but rather a meta-construct building on market, bureaucratic, and sustainability logics. In addition, we point to the complex configurations of and relationships between these underlying logics. The complexities also explain why the SMs differ from traditional professions and why it is problematic to talk about a ‘SM profession’. Rather, SMs are ‘organizational professionals’. The article builds on 21 interviews with SMs working for Swedish companies.

Suggested Citation

  • Tommy Borglund & Magnus Frostenson & Sven Helin & Katarina Arbin, 2023. "The Professional Logic of Sustainability Managers: Finding Underlying Dynamics," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 182(1), pages 59-76, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:182:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s10551-021-05000-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-021-05000-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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