Working the system—an empirical analysis of the relationship between systems thinking, paradoxical cognition, and sustainability practices

Article

Schulte, M. and Paris, C. 2024. Working the system—an empirical analysis of the relationship between systems thinking, paradoxical cognition, and sustainability practices. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management. 31 (5), pp. 4154-4171. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.2798
TypeArticle
TitleWorking the system—an empirical analysis of the relationship between systems thinking, paradoxical cognition, and sustainability practices
AuthorsSchulte, M. and Paris, C.
Abstract

Sustainability is an inherently complex problem. Often, a reductionist mindset underpins corporate sustainability practices. Understanding the collective impact of systems thinking and paradoxical cognition on sustainability practices could foster new cognitive strategies for sustainability efforts. Informed by stakeholder theory, this study investigates the impacts of systems thinking and paradoxical cognition on sustainability practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Primary data was collected through a survey of SME managers in the United Arab Emirates (n = 554), and the hypothesized model was analyzed using structural equation modelling. The findings imply that systems thinking, paradoxical thinking, and the ability to recognize paradoxical tensions positively influenced sustainability practices. The study's findings offer novel insights advocating for the integration of cognitive frameworks and sustainability practices in the context SMEs, highlighting the need for a shift from traditional linear management approaches to more adaptive and integrative strategies.

Keywordscomplexity; corporate sustainability; dynamic systems; interconnectivity; paradoxical tensions; wicked problems
Sustainable Development Goals9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Middlesex University ThemeSustainability
PublisherWiley
JournalCorporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management
ISSN1535-3958
Electronic1535-3966
Publication dates
Online29 Mar 2024
Print06 Sep 2024
Publication process dates
Submitted28 May 2023
Accepted19 Mar 2024
Deposited03 Apr 2024
Output statusPublished
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Copyright Statement

© 2024 The Authors. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
This is an open access article under the terms of theCreative Commons AttributionLicense, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium,provided the original work is properly cited.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.2798
Web of Science identifierWOS:001193299100001
LanguageEnglish
Permalink -

https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/11q2y0

Log in to edit

Download files

Publisher's version
Corp Soc Responsibility Env - 2024 - Schulte - Working the system An empirical analysis of the relationship between systems.pdf
License: CC BY 4.0
File access level: Open

  • 45
    total views
  • 23
    total downloads
  • 5
    views this month
  • 1
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Flood risk: a capacity and vulnerability analysis of Newham and Hammersmith, UK
Hassan, A. and Paris, C. 2023. Flood risk: a capacity and vulnerability analysis of Newham and Hammersmith, UK. World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development. 19 (3), pp. 187-204. https://doi.org/10.1504/WRSTSD.2023.131924
Supply chain transparency, ethical sourcing, and synthetic diamond alternatives: exploring the perspectives of diamond retailers
Schulte, M. and Paris, C. 2022. Supply chain transparency, ethical sourcing, and synthetic diamond alternatives: exploring the perspectives of diamond retailers. International Journal of Intelligent Enterprise. 9 (4), pp. 438-457. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJIE.2022.126399
An enabling framework for blockchain in tourism
Balasubramanian, S., Singh Sethi, J., Ajayan, S. and Paris, C. 2022. An enabling framework for blockchain in tourism. Information Technology and Tourism. 24 (2), pp. 165-179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40558-022-00229-6
UN sustainable development goals: a rubric to evaluate sincerity for implementing long-term sustainability pledges
King, S. and Paris, C. 2021. UN sustainable development goals: a rubric to evaluate sincerity for implementing long-term sustainability pledges. International Journal of Sustainable Society. 13 (4), pp. 273-286. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSSOC.2021.121620
Leveraging blockchain in medical tourism value chain
Balasubramanian, S., Ajayan, S. and Paris, C. 2022. Leveraging blockchain in medical tourism value chain. Stienmetz, J., Ferrer-Rosell, B. and Massimo, D. (ed.) 29th Annual International eTourism Conference ENTER22. Nankai University, China [Online] 11 - 14 Jan 2022 Springer International Publishing. pp. 78-83 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-94751-4_8
UN Sustainable Development Goals: A rubric to evaluate sincerity for implementing long-term sustainabilty pledges
King, S. and Paris, C. 2022. UN Sustainable Development Goals: A rubric to evaluate sincerity for implementing long-term sustainabilty pledges. 10th International Conference on Business and Management 2022-2023 (Hybrid Mode). Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Virtual 10 - 11 Nov 2022
Environmental impact of urbanization, bank credits, and energy use in the UAE—A tourism-induced EKC model
Majumdar, S. and Paris, C. 2022. Environmental impact of urbanization, bank credits, and energy use in the UAE—A tourism-induced EKC model. Sustainability. 14 (13). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137834
An expectation-experience analysis of service quality of business travelers in low-cost airlines
Dsilva, J., Balasubramanian, S., Ajayan, S. and Paris, C. 2021. An expectation-experience analysis of service quality of business travelers in low-cost airlines. e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR). 18 (3), pp. 375-392.
Mind the gap: examining the gap in international passenger expectations and perceptions of service quality in low-cost carriers
Dsilva, J., Balasubramanian, S. and Paris, C. 2021. Mind the gap: examining the gap in international passenger expectations and perceptions of service quality in low-cost carriers. Tourism Review International. 25 (4), pp. 419-426. https://doi.org/10.3727/154427221x16317419620219
Blood diamonds and ethical consumerism: an empirical investigation
Schulte, M., Balasubramanian, S. and Paris, C. 2021. Blood diamonds and ethical consumerism: an empirical investigation. Sustainability. 13 (8). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084558
Examining post COVID-19 tourist concerns using sentiment analysis and topic modeling
Balasubramanian, S., Kaitheri, S., Nanath, K., Sreejith, S. and Paris, C. 2021. Examining post COVID-19 tourist concerns using sentiment analysis and topic modeling. Wörndl, W., Koo, C. and Stienmetz, J. (ed.) ENTER 2021 eTourism Conference. Virtual 19 - 21 Jan 2021 Springer. pp. 564-569 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65785-7_54
Examining the link between country-specific pull factors and international student mobility in the United Arab Emirates
Balasubramanian, S., Ajayan, S. and Paris, C. 2021. Examining the link between country-specific pull factors and international student mobility in the United Arab Emirates. Anatolia. 32 (2), pp. 321-324. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2020.1801474
Hanging out on Snapchat: disrupting passive covert netnography in tourism research
Jeffrey, H., Ashraf, H. and Paris, C. 2021. Hanging out on Snapchat: disrupting passive covert netnography in tourism research. Tourism Geographies. 23 (1-2), pp. 144-161. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2019.1666159
A gender analysis of intercultural sensitivity among flight attendants
Vreckova, A., Paris, C. and Jeffrey, H. 2020. A gender analysis of intercultural sensitivity among flight attendants. e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR). 18 (3), pp. 363-374.
Digital Nomadism: The nexus of remote working and travel mobility
Hermann, I. and Paris, C. 2020. Digital Nomadism: The nexus of remote working and travel mobility. Information Technology and Tourism. 22 (3), pp. 329-334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40558-020-00188-w
Blood diamonds: an analysis of the state of affairs and the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process
Schulte, M. and Paris, C. 2020. Blood diamonds: an analysis of the state of affairs and the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process. International Journal of Sustainable Society. 12 (1), pp. 51-75. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSSOC.2020.105017
Leveraging smart technologies for connected tourist experiences – the case of Dubai
Balasubramanian, S., Kaitheri, S., Nanath, K., Sreejith, S. and Paris, C. 2020. Leveraging smart technologies for connected tourist experiences – the case of Dubai. 5th International Conference on Emerging Research Paradigms in Business and Social Sciences. Middlesex University Dubai, UAE 14 - 16 Jan 2020
Investigating millennial tourists' attitudes and risk perceptions towards terror attacks: a qualitative case study on France
Feldbauer, I. and Paris, C. 2020. Investigating millennial tourists' attitudes and risk perceptions towards terror attacks: a qualitative case study on France. e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR). 18 (1), pp. 68-95.
Exploring the relationship between EU political opinion, Euroscepticism, and populist attitudes with destination image perception
Feldbauer, I. and Paris, C. 2020. Exploring the relationship between EU political opinion, Euroscepticism, and populist attitudes with destination image perception. e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR). 18 (3), pp. 409-423.
Introduction: Special Issue on Domestic Tourism in Asia
Nyaupane, G., Paris, C. and Li, X. 2020. Introduction: Special Issue on Domestic Tourism in Asia. Tourism Review International. 24 (1), pp. 1-4. https://doi.org/10.3727/154427220x15845838896305
Exploring the role of Humor and Music in radio advertisement: a quasi-experimental study on domestic tourist attitudes and behavioral intentions in the UAE
Mehdi, Q., Paris, C. and Balasubramanian, S. 2019. Exploring the role of Humor and Music in radio advertisement: a quasi-experimental study on domestic tourist attitudes and behavioral intentions in the UAE. 2019 International Conference - Travel and Tourism Research Association: Advancing Tourism Research Globally. Melbourne, Australia
Understanding Japanese consumer behaviour and cultural relevance of gift giving
Suarez, L., Hugo, N. and Paris, C. 2019. Understanding Japanese consumer behaviour and cultural relevance of gift giving. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure. 8 (4).
Examining the relationship between loyalty and place attachment in an urban park setting
Plunkett, D., Keith, F. and Paris, C. 2019. Examining the relationship between loyalty and place attachment in an urban park setting. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. 25, pp. 36-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2018.11.006
Globalisation and health security: a case study of distant individual risk perceptions of the 2014 Ebola outbreak
Atu, J., Paris, C. and Marochi, B. 2018. Globalisation and health security: a case study of distant individual risk perceptions of the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Journal of Security and Sustainability Issues. 8 (2), pp. 209-220. https://doi.org/10.9770/jssi.2018.8.2(8)
Antecedents and outcomes of smartphone usage among Indian Millennial travellers
Gore, S., Paris, C. and Balasubramanian, S. 2018. Antecedents and outcomes of smartphone usage among Indian Millennial travellers. in: Pesonen, J. and Neidhardt, J. (ed.) Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2019 Springer.
Ethical global partnerships: leadership from the Global South
Balasubramaniam, R., Hartman, E., McMillan, J. and Paris, C. 2018. Ethical global partnerships: leadership from the Global South. in: The Wiley International Handbook of Service-Learning for Social Justice Wiley.
Tourist perceptions of Dubai and Expo2020
Gomba, C., Hyland, L. and Paris, C. 2018. Tourist perceptions of Dubai and Expo2020. e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR). 15 (4/5), pp. 385-403.
Let’s Sit at the Table for women’s empowerment
Jeffrey, H., Riccio, A. and Paris, C. 2018. Let’s Sit at the Table for women’s empowerment. e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR). 15 (4-5), pp. 440-449.
Soft power and place branding in the United Arab Emirates: examples of the tourism and film industries
Saberi, D., Paris, C. and Marochi, B. 2018. Soft power and place branding in the United Arab Emirates: examples of the tourism and film industries. International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy. 4 (1), pp. 44-58. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJDIPE.2018.091405
Impact of identity politics on education in Pakistan: a comparison between Balochistan and Punjab
Nasser, A., Kyriazi, T., Paris, C. and Ahmad, M. 2018. Impact of identity politics on education in Pakistan: a comparison between Balochistan and Punjab. Education, Citizenship and Social Justice. 13 (3), pp. 280-294. https://doi.org/10.1177/1746197917743954
Fair trade learning
McMillan, J., Paris, C., Spitz, B. and Toms, C. 2017. Fair trade learning. in: Global Health Experiential Education From Theory to Practice Routledge.
Arab women employment in the United Arab Emirates: exploring opportunities, motivations and challenges
Miller, K., Kyriazi, T. and Paris, C. 2017. Arab women employment in the United Arab Emirates: exploring opportunities, motivations and challenges. International Journal of Sustainable Society. 9 (1), pp. 20-40. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSSOC.2017.10006594
A critical evaluation of the potentiality of tourism and destination development in Failaka Island
Paris, C. 2017. A critical evaluation of the potentiality of tourism and destination development in Failaka Island. in: Stephenson, M. and Al-Hamarneh, A. (ed.) International Tourism Development and the Gulf Cooperation Council States: Challenges and Opportunities Routledge. pp. 245-257
Social entrepreneurship in the UAE: challenges and recommendations
Abdo, D. and Paris, C. 2017. Social entrepreneurship in the UAE: challenges and recommendations. International Journal of Sustainable Society. 9 (1), pp. 41-60. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSSOC.2017.085731
Tourism development in Kuwait: examining the political-economic challenges in a unique rentier economy
Paris, C., Marochi, B. and Rubin, S. 2017. Tourism development in Kuwait: examining the political-economic challenges in a unique rentier economy. International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy. 3 (4), pp. 301-315. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJDIPE.2017.10009706
Sustainability: a threshold concept for tourism education
Paris, C. 2016. Sustainability: a threshold concept for tourism education. Tourism - an International Interdisciplinary Journal. 64 (3), pp. 329-337.
Empowering Latino parents to transform the education of their children
Pstross, M., Rodriguez, A., Knopf, R. and Paris, C. 2016. Empowering Latino parents to transform the education of their children. Education and Urban Society. 48 (7), pp. 650-671. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013124514541464
Tourism visioning: implementing a primary stakeholder approach
Paris, C., Knopf, R. and Andereck, K. 2014. Tourism visioning: implementing a primary stakeholder approach. Tourism Review International. 17 (4), pp. 267-282. https://doi.org/10.3727/154427214X13910101597201
A three dimensional tourist typology
Seery, P. and Paris, C. 2015. A three dimensional tourist typology. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure. 4 (2), pp. 1-8.
Reaching the end of the unbeaten path? An analysis of Lonely Planet’s Digital Media ‘Requiem’
Butler, G. and Paris, C. 2015. Reaching the end of the unbeaten path? An analysis of Lonely Planet’s Digital Media ‘Requiem’. Anatolia. 27 (3), pp. 377-388. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2016.1191770
Disconnected and unplugged: experiences of technology induced anxieties and tensions while traveling
Paris, C., Berger, E., Rubin, S. and Casson, M. 2015. Disconnected and unplugged: experiences of technology induced anxieties and tensions while traveling. Tussyadiah, I. and Inversini, A. (ed.) ENTER2015 eTourism Conference. Lugano, Switzerland 03 - 06 Feb 2015 Springer. pp. 803-816 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14343-9_58
A comparison between Asian and Australasia backpackers using cultural consensus analysis
Paris, C., Musa, G. and Thirumoorthi, T. 2015. A comparison between Asian and Australasia backpackers using cultural consensus analysis. Current Issues in Tourism. 18 (2), pp. 175-195. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2014.920771
The social affordances of flashpacking: exploring the mobility nexus of travel and communication
Germann Molz, J. and Paris, C. 2015. The social affordances of flashpacking: exploring the mobility nexus of travel and communication. Mobilities. 10 (2), pp. 173-192. https://doi.org/10.1080/17450101.2013.848605
Expectations, outcomes and attitude change of study abroad students
Paris, C., Nyaupane, G. and Teye, V. 2014. Expectations, outcomes and attitude change of study abroad students. Annals of Tourism Research. 48, pp. 275-277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2014.06.007
Exploring the role of Facebook in re-shaping backpacker’s social interactions
Berger, E. and Paris, C. 2014. Exploring the role of Facebook in re-shaping backpacker’s social interactions. ENTER2014 eTourism Conference. Dublin, Ireland 21 - 24 Jan 2014 Springer. pp. 299-312 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03973-2_22
Fair trade learning: ethical standards for community-engaged international volunteer tourism
Hartman, E., Paris, C. and Blache-Cohen, B. 2014. Fair trade learning: ethical standards for community-engaged international volunteer tourism. Tourism and Hospitality Research. 14 (1-2), pp. 108-116. https://doi.org/10.1177/1467358414529443
Developments and key issues in tourism mobilities
Hannam, K., Butler, G. and Paris, C. 2014. Developments and key issues in tourism mobilities. Annals of Tourism Research. 44, pp. 171-185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2013.09.010
Exploring the influence of Facebook on backpacker's social experience in hostels
Berger, E. and Paris, C. 2013. Exploring the influence of Facebook on backpacker's social experience in hostels. e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR). 10 (5/6), pp. 4-18.
Backpacking, social media, and crises: a discussion of online social convergence
Paris, C. and Rubin, S. 2013. Backpacking, social media, and crises: a discussion of online social convergence. International Conference in Innsbruck, Austria, January 22-25, 2013. Austria 22 - 25 Jan 2013 Springer. pp. 207-217 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-36309-2_18
Tourism and transparency: navigating ethical risks in volunteerism with fair trade learning
Hartman, E., Paris, C. and Blanche-Cohen, B. 2013. Tourism and transparency: navigating ethical risks in volunteerism with fair trade learning. Africa Insight. 42 (2), pp. 157-168.
Tourism and the challenge of Arctic governance
Horejsova, T. and Paris, C. 2013. Tourism and the challenge of Arctic governance. International Journal of Tourism Policy. 5 (1/2), p. 113. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTP.2013.054050
Knowledge sharing and social technology acceptance model: promoting local events and festivals through facebook
Lee, W. and Paris, C. 2013. Knowledge sharing and social technology acceptance model: promoting local events and festivals through facebook. Tourism Analysis. 18 (4), pp. 457-469. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354213X13736372326118
A quantified triple bottom line for tourism: experimental results
Tyrrell, T., Paris, C. and Biaett, V. 2013. A quantified triple bottom line for tourism: experimental results. Journal of Travel Research. 52 (3), pp. 279-293. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287512465963
Surveying “difficult-to-sample” backpackers through Facebook? Employing a mixed-mode dual-frame procedure
Paris, C. 2012. Surveying “difficult-to-sample” backpackers through Facebook? Employing a mixed-mode dual-frame procedure. Anatolia. 24 (1), pp. 75-85. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2012.762319
Flashpacking: a discussion of independent travel in a digital world
Paris, C. 2012. Flashpacking: a discussion of independent travel in a digital world. Fuchs, M., Ricci, F. and Cantoni, L. (ed.) 19th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies in Travel and Tourism. Helsingborg, Sweden 24 - 27 Jan 2012 Springer. pp. 191-202 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1142-0_17
FLASHPACKERS: an emerging sub-culture?
Paris, C. 2012. FLASHPACKERS: an emerging sub-culture? Annals of Tourism Research. 39 (2), pp. 1094-1115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2011.12.001
Segmenting the cruise market: an application of multiple correspondence analysis
Paris, C. and Teye, V. 2011. Segmenting the cruise market: an application of multiple correspondence analysis. Tourism Analysis. 16 (5), pp. 617-621. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354211X13202764960825
Backpacker activities and personal values: an SEM approach
Paris, C. 2011. Backpacker activities and personal values: an SEM approach. Annals of Leisure Research. 13 (1-2), pp. 239-258. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2010.9686846
Social constructivism and tourism education
Paris, C. 2011. Social constructivism and tourism education. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Education. 10 (2), pp. 103-108. https://doi.org/10.3794/johlste.102.385
Tourists perceptions of climate change in Cairns, Australia
Paris, C., Hopkins, S. and Westbrook, T. 2011. Tourists perceptions of climate change in Cairns, Australia. e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR). 9 (6), pp. 279-291.
Understanding the statusphere and blogosphere: an analysis of virtual backpacker spaces
Paris, C. 2011. Understanding the statusphere and blogosphere: an analysis of virtual backpacker spaces. Springer. pp. 443-455 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-0503-0_36
Study abroad motivations, destination selection and pre-trip attitude formation
Nyaupane, G., Paris, C. and Teye, V. 2011. Study abroad motivations, destination selection and pre-trip attitude formation. International Journal of Tourism Research. 13 (3), pp. 205-217. https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.811
Why do students study abroad? Exploring motivations beyond earning academic credits
Nyaupane, G., Paris, C. and Teye, V. 2010. Why do students study abroad? Exploring motivations beyond earning academic credits. Tourism Analysis. 15 (2), pp. 263-267. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354210X12724863327920
Evaluating tourism community preferences
Tyrrell, T., Paris, C. and Casson, M. 2010. Evaluating tourism community preferences. Tourism Analysis. 15 (1), pp. 121-124. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354210X12724734223838
Backpacker motivations: a travel career approach
Paris, C. and Teye, V. 2010. Backpacker motivations: a travel career approach. Journal of Hospitality Marketing and Management. 19 (3), pp. 244-259. https://doi.org/10.1080/19368621003591350
Cruise line industry and Caribbean tourism: guests' motivations, activities, and destination preference
Teye, V. and Paris, C. 2010. Cruise line industry and Caribbean tourism: guests' motivations, activities, and destination preference. Tourism Review International. 14 (1), pp. 17-28. https://doi.org/10.3727/154427211X12954639814858
The role of social media in promoting special events: acceptance of Facebook ‘events’
Paris, C., Lee, W. and Seery, P. 2010. The role of social media in promoting special events: acceptance of Facebook ‘events’. ENTER2010 eTourism Conference. Lugano, Switzerland 10 - 12 Feb 2010 Springer. pp. 531-541 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-99407-8_44
Innocents abroad: attitude change toward hosts
Nyaupane, G., Teye, V. and Paris, C. 2008. Innocents abroad: attitude change toward hosts. Annals of Tourism Research. 35 (3), pp. 650-667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2008.03.002
Innocents abroad: attitude change toward hosts
Nyaupane, G., Teye, V. and Paris, C. 2008. Innocents abroad: attitude change toward hosts. Annals of Tourism Research. 35 (3), pp. 650-667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2008.03.002