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Sufficiency and Sustainability: Conceptual Analysis and Ethical Considerations for Sustainable Organisation

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  • Tommi Lehtonen
  • Pasi Heikkurinen

Abstract

This article analyses the concept of sufficiency in relation to sustainability and discusses ethical implications for sustainable organisation in time and place. We identify three foundational conceptualisations of sufficiency related to sustainability: (1) a limits model that starts with objective boundaries imposed by the biosphere and basic human needs; (2) a preference model that treats sufficiency as a subjective inclination for moderation defined situationally; and (3) a balancing model that seeks to integrate the objective limits and subjective preferences by focussing on action embedded in the socio-ecological context. This includes balancing the needs of humans with those of non-humans. The limits model builds on universal duty, the preference model on preference utilitarianism and the balancing model on action-oriented virtue ethics. The balancing model of sufficiency is well suited to meeting the needs of present and future generations as well as delivering intra- and inter-generational justice not limited to humans.

Suggested Citation

  • Tommi Lehtonen & Pasi Heikkurinen, 2022. "Sufficiency and Sustainability: Conceptual Analysis and Ethical Considerations for Sustainable Organisation," Environmental Values, , vol. 31(5), pages 599-618, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envval:v:31:y:2022:i:5:p:599-618
    DOI: 10.3197/096327121X16328186623878
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Clive L. Spash, 2011. "Social Ecological Economics: Understanding the Past to See the Future," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 70(2), pages 340-375, April.
    2. William Young & Fiona Tilley, 2006. "Can businesses move beyond efficiency? The shift toward effectiveness and equity in the corporate sustainability debate," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 15(6), pages 402-415, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hernández, Mauricio & Chávez-Bustamante, Felipe, 2024. "Sufficiency between producers and consumers: A configurational analysis," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).

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