Functional, symbolic and societal frames for automobility: Implications for sustainability transitions

Sovacool, Benjamin K.; Axsen, Jonn

doi:10.1016/j.tra.2018.10.008

Cited by 83 publications

(69 citation statements)

References 97 publications

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“…Axsen and Kurani [12] identify a two-by-two dimensional typology of attributes: private functional, public functional, private symbolic, public symbolic ( Figure 1). Figure 1 -the four domains of attributes, as they relate to electric vehicles (adapted from Sovacool and Axsen [21], Axsen and Kurani [12] Private functional attributes impact and benefit the consumer. From a more recent study into electric vehicles Sovacool and Axsen [21] find they strongly relate to what cars do for individual car drivers.…”

Section: Four Domains Of Attributesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Figure 1 -the four domains of attributes, as they relate to electric vehicles (adapted from Sovacool and Axsen [21], Axsen and Kurani [12] Private functional attributes impact and benefit the consumer. From a more recent study into electric vehicles Sovacool and Axsen [21] find they strongly relate to what cars do for individual car drivers. Car drivers show strong preferences for cost [21] savings, reliability, performance, flexibility and familiarity.…”

Section: Four Domains Of Attributesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…From a more recent study into electric vehicles Sovacool and Axsen [21] find they strongly relate to what cars do for individual car drivers. Car drivers show strong preferences for cost [21] savings, reliability, performance, flexibility and familiarity. These attributes are widely acknowledged as important antecedents to choice [7,8,23].…”

Section: Four Domains Of Attributesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For those people using an electric vehicle would represent a form of environmental stewardship. That is through their vehicle choice, drivers are able to become actively involved in protecting the environment, opting for fuel types that reduce air pollution, oil use and CO 2 emissions [21].…”

Section: Four Domains Of Attributesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The importance of more socially orientated, public domain attributes is a strong feature of a framework identified by Axsen and Kurani [12]. Using a 2 x 2 matrix they distinguish between four domains: private functional, private symbolic, public functional and public symbolic [12,21]. Applying this to the appeal of electric hybrid vehicles in the workplace (and as an alternative to private car use) Axsen and Kurani [12] find that users are attracted to a wide range of private and public, functional and symbolic attributes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Following the tradition of using opposing concepts as a basis for organisational analysis, this article advances a theory‐based understanding of incumbent firms in sustainability transitions. Building on seminal transition studies, we propose innovating/defending and collaborating/competing as two useful spectra to describe organisational behaviours in transitions. Presenting the automotive industry as an explanatory case, we show results from a systematic literature review that reveal motives for diverging behaviours. Combining the spectra into a 2 × 2 matrix, we then introduce four conceptualisations to explain the observed motives and behaviours. The conceptualisations are associated with different streams of organisation theory: dynamic capabilities and the resource‐based view, resource‐dependence theory, neo‐institutional theory and theories on organisational learning and path dependence. Referring to organisational ambidexterity, value configurations and political arenas, we conclude that transitions research can reach a more multifaceted understanding by challenging the prevailing notion of the firm as a coherent actor.

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The automotive industry is actively pursuing a course of sustainable development; however, to date, progress has been limited. This is because a truly sustainable future requires a substantial and transformative approach to automobility. Some scholars argue that this transformative approach might be found by exploring an industry transition based on stewardship rather than the current status quo of incremental change. Hence, as a way of offering new insights to stimulate action for sustainability, this study presents the first comprehensive review of stewardship in the automotive sector. From an analysis of 161 peer‐reviewed articles published between 1990 and 2022, we identified two underconceptualized forms of stewardship—environmental and social—both of which have an interconnected relationship. Environmental stewardship involves actions that address ecological challenges, while social stewardship pertains to broader, positive impacts on communities. We argue that understanding the interplay between these different forms of stewardship is crucial for achieving comprehensive sustainability outcomes. Additionally, this research identifies gaps in the literature and outlines areas for future research to help both managers and society navigate the complex sustainability issues facing the automotive industry.

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Functional, symbolic and societal frames for automobility: Implications for sustainability transitions

Cited by 83 publications

References 97 publications

Are low-carbon innovations appealing? A typology of functional, symbolic, private and public attributes

Are low-carbon innovations appealing? A typology of functional, symbolic, private and public attributes

Conceptualisations of incumbent firms in sustainability transitions: Insights from organisation theory and a systematic literature review

Toward sustainable automobility: Insights from a stewardship literature review of the industry

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