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
Type | Article |
---|---|
Title | Working the system—an empirical analysis of the relationship between systems thinking, paradoxical cognition, and sustainability practices |
Authors | Schulte, 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. |
Keywords | complexity; corporate sustainability; dynamic systems; interconnectivity; paradoxical tensions; wicked problems |
Sustainable Development Goals | 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure |
Middlesex University Theme | Sustainability |
Publisher | Wiley |
Journal | Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management |
ISSN | 1535-3958 |
Electronic | 1535-3966 |
Publication dates | |
Online | 29 Mar 2024 |
06 Sep 2024 | |
Publication process dates | |
Submitted | 28 May 2023 |
Accepted | 19 Mar 2024 |
Deposited | 03 Apr 2024 |
Output status | Published |
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. |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.2798 |
Web of Science identifier | WOS:001193299100001 |
Language | English |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/11q2y0
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