Sustainable development and sustainability as study objects for comparative management theory

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to characterize sustainable development and sustainability as study objects for comparative management theory. Design/methodology/approach – The primary objective of this paper is to characterize sustainable development and sustainability as study objects for comparative management theory. Findings – Analytical dimensions were related to establishing three proposals, which represent possible theoretical routes for characterizing sustainable development and sustainability as study objects for comparative management theory. A framework which illustrates the theoretical route taken to develop these proposals is presented at the end of the theoretical-analytical discussions. Research limitations/implications – This paper considers that discussion about sustainable development, sustainability and comparative management theory, as interesting themes for organizational studies, lack epistemological clarity and theoretical depth. Such shortcomings are identified based upon the difficulty in identifying ontological postures, epistemological perspectives, dominant paradigms and conceptual approaches that enable greater coherence to analysis of these themes, and also support the undertaking of research that can contribute to enriching proposals related to comparative management theory. Originality/value – This is an innovative paper as it relates comparative management theory approaches with structural concepts from sustainable development and sustainability developed using contributions from organizational theories, sociological reflections, and political science. The proposed characterization is intended to blaze new and alternative epistemological paths for adding greater rigor to empirical research focussed on the relationship investigated here in a theoretical context.

Sustainable Competitive Advantage Needs Green Human Resource Practices: A Framework for Environmental Management

“…Regarding business administration, organizational sustainability can be a powerful option for companies to achieve sustainable competitive advantage (Dubois & Dubois, 2012). Companies that focus on the environmental, economic, and social dimension of organizational sustainability are successful in meeting legal requirements, managing processes and routines, and using natural resources effectively (Borim-de-Souza et al, 2015). Therefore, the objective of this essay is to present a theoretical framework by analyzing the role of human resource management in helping organizations achieve sustainable competitive advantage, through the natural resource-based view perspective.…”

“…In order to achieve organizational sustainability, it is necessary that companies, in general, review their processes, policies, organizational objectives, and strategy towards environmental concerns. This idea of organizational sustainability leads to the Triple Bottom Line model (Elkington, 1994), in which the interdependence and inter-relational nature of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions is a feasible way to achieve sustainability (Borim-de-Souza, Balbinoto, Travis, Munck, & Takahashi, 2015).…”

“…Environmental sustainability because HR management can adopt simple green practices that directly affect the generation of waste and pollution, like terminating the use of plastic or any disposable materials. Finally, HR management can improve social sustainability because it presupposes the participation and direct involvement of the employees in environmental strategies (Borim-de-Souza et al, 2015). Pollution prevention strategy alone does not lead to organizational sustainability, but it is an initial effort which helps to change organizational culture and create sustainability by employing environmental oriented HR practices.…”

Sustainable Growth in SMEs: A Review from the Malaysian Perspective

“…The disagreement on the definitions and concepts further aggravated the misconceptions of the term leaving it as another theoretical and abstract concept (Jabareen, 2008). Borim-de-Souza et al (2015) caution the existence of characteristic differentials of the term depending on who, how and why the terms are analyzed. The definitions of sustainability, a cross disciplinary concept, include human capability to maintain the well-being of all for long term period (Meng, 2015).…”

Empreendedorismo Sustentável e Stakeholders Fornecedores: Criação de Valores para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável

“…Para Silva (2005), sustentabilidade significa o lugar aonde se pretende chegar (fim, objetivo maior -futuro), enquanto o desenvolvimento sustentável trata de como se chega a tal lugar (meiopresente). Por sua vez, Munck e Borim-de-Souza (2009) consideram que a sustentabilidade se refere "à capacidade de manter algo em um estado contínuo" (p. 29), representando a ideia central que direciona o desenvolvimento sustentável (Borim-de-Souza, Balbinot, Travis, Munck, & Takahashi, 2015).…”