Balancing or prioritising for sustainable development? Perceptions of sustainability integration among professionals

Abstract

The effective integration of the environmental with the economic and social dimensions of sustainability will only succeed when the core problem perceptions of professionals in these fields adjust as well. Yet, while sustainability integration in general has been thoroughly researched, few studies have analysed the specific role of subjective understandings among professionals. This article bridges this gap by asking how professionals understand and operationalise sustainability integration. Which factors shape their perceptions and practices? We present the results of an online survey that was circulated to a diverse sample of professionals and then analysed using statistical methods. Responses from 508 participants show that sustainability integration is mostly perceived as a balance across all three sustainability dimensions rather than a hierarchy with the environment at its basis. However, perceptions also vary significantly across professional and geographical contexts. This signifies the need to better account for how individual circumstances affect processes of integration.

Stakeholder perceptions of sustainability and possible behaviour in a biosphere reserve

“…There are different conceptualisations of sustainability – some favouring a balanced relationship while others a more hierarchical relationship between the triple bottom line (Montesano et al, 2023). As defined by UNEP and UNWTO (2005), sustainability refers to the balance of economic, social (equity) and environmental impacts on the livelihoods of the current and future generations.…”

“…There are different conceptualisations of sustainabilitysome favouring a balanced relationship while others a more hierarchical relationship between the triple bottom line (Montesano et al, 2023). As Some authors argue that tourism is usually understood to foster social cohesion (Kamble & Bouchon, 2016), while others indicate that tourism development may result in losing social cohesion (Sari et al, 2014).…”

“…Owing to the novelty of the research site and tourism industry, the number of tourism entrepreneurs in the reserve is unknown. An online booking platform indicates that there are at least 10 accommodation establishments in the area, however, this does not provide insight into the representation of the other sectors like food and beverage, transport, or attractions.Representation of different contexts is important to consider seeing asMontesano et al (2023) andKothe et al (2019) explain that different contexts (e.g., geographic locations, or public and private entities) deliver different perceptions and behaviours respectively. One could therefore assume that different perceptions and behaviours could be evident between tourism sectors.…”

Failing to attain sustainable development in Bangladesh: A potential comprehensive strategy for sustainability

“…Contemporary discussions on sustainable development recognize the inextricable link between environmental protection and economic growth, highlighting the importance of achieving both for long‐term prosperity (Imran et al, 2014; Montesano et al, 2023). Scholars emphasize that comprehending this interdependence is crucial to achieving economic growth and sustainable development (Ruggerio, 2021; Rume & Islam, 2020).…”

Greening labour? The role of the SDGs in fostering sustainability integration within trade unions

“…To study how these approaches to greening are actually operationalized, we distinguish two analytical levels where reformist or transformative greening can be observed (drawing on (Montesano et al, 2021 , 2023 )). The first analytical level is internal understanding , that is, the discursive uptake by trade unions of reformist or transformative approaches both descriptively (what is greening) and normatively (what should be done about it).…”