Publication date: Available online 16 August 2013
Source:Futures

Author(s): Alex Smajgl , John Ward

We argue that science concerned with natural resource policy analysis is entering a new phase. In response to policy demands for triple-bottom-line assessments, developing transdisciplinary endeavours has been a primary focus, catalysing methodological innovations. However, the period of innovation has increased the divergence between a science domain characterised by increasing complexity of communicated analytical outputs and a policy domain that generally remains impelled towards single metric outcomes. We argue that this new phase will see the focus shift from method innovation towards the design of research processes to correct the discrepancy. This paper describes the Challenge and Reconstruct Learning framework (ChaRL) for designing sustainability-focused research processes to better align science contributions and policy aspirations in complex decision making arenas. This paper provides evidence for how the ChaRL framework can (1) establish and maintain an effective science-policy interface despite high levels of complexity and high levels of contested values, and (2) challenge and reconstruct existing knowledge, providing a robust foundation to evidence-based decision making. Critical for these achievements is that the design of the engagement process starts with the cognitive elements critical to the decision making processes, that is individuals’ causal beliefs and values.

Abstract

Purpose - This paper examines how Spanish Local Councils respond to changes in their institutional context by implementing a sustainable practice: Local Agenda 21 (LA21).Design/methodology/approach - This paper uses the institutional approach to explain the factors influencing the adoption of LA21. We develop a series of hypotheses about how specific institutional factors affect the town and city councils that have implemented an LA21, as well as the differences between local councils with high versus medium implementation levels.Findings - The analysis reveals some institutional factors that explain the process of institutional change, the outcomes of LA21, and the differences between local councils.Research limitations/implications - Only one respondent from each local council completed the questionnaire. We tested for common method bias and did not find it to be present.Practical implications - From a more practical point of view, we consider LA21 to be an effective instrument for improving both the sustainability of towns and the management of local councils.Originality/value - The paper proposes institutional theory as a perspective that can explain change in organizations. The main value of the research lies in its identification of the factors affecting the process of change and the outcomes of implementing a sustainable practice like LA21.

David Bresch (Swiss Re) As the financial and personal impacts from climate change grow, the financial and insurance industries have been taking note. For some companies, that means advocating strategies to help business and society build their capacity to adapt to the effects — and reduce the causes — of climate change. Swiss Re identified [...]

Publication date: November 2013
Source:Journal of Business Research, Volume 66, Issue 11

Author(s): Stuart Roper , Cathy Parker

Corporate social responsibility can prove challenging for traditional businesses as a profit-making agenda may well be in conflict with the wishes and expectations of other stakeholders. Nevertheless, if organizations can align the incentive of better business performance with beneficial outcomes on a wider social and/or environmental level, so called doing well by doing good, conflict ceases between the two aims. This paper investigates a particular global problem within the context of the fast-food industry. Discarded fast-food packaging is the fastest growing type of litter in many Western countries. The paper establishes, by using a quasi-experimental method (n=1000), that multiple levels of a brand's evaluation are negatively affected when that brand's packaging is seen as litter. This paper also quantifies the financial impact of the litter effect on a company.