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
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