Making sense of sustainability: internal contradictions and obstacles to full integration

Daniela Argento, L. Broccardo, E. Truant

Forskningsoutput: KonferensbidragSammanfattning (abstract)Peer review

Sammanfattning

This paper aims at contributing to the recent literature about the internal dynamics of sustainability. The specific research question addressed in this paper is: how do various organizational actors understand and make sense of sustainability in their workplace? To answer this research question a case study was prepared by focusing on IREN, an Italian listed multi-utility operating in the electricity, gas, and energy district heating, integrated water service and waste sectors, with considerable engagements with sustainability work. Data was collected through a combination of methods, i.e. interviews, e-mail exchanges, observations and document study. Findings reveal that sustainability has multiple meanings and various organizational actors interpret it differently depending on their role within the organization. Different interpretations of the concept of sustainability are also reflected in how sustainability is implemented and monitored. Multiple expectations explain why sustainability is difficult to integrate in organizational practices and into management control systems.

Konferens

KonferensThe 39th National Conference of the Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), theme: Identity, Innovation and Impact of Italian Business Studies – Inside the Digital Economy, Turin (Italy), 12-13 September, 2019
Period80-01-01 → …

Nationell ämneskategori

  • Ekonomi och näringsliv (502)

Fingeravtryck

Fördjupa i forskningsämnen för ”Making sense of sustainability: internal contradictions and obstacles to full integration”. Tillsammans bildar de ett unikt fingeravtryck.

Citera det här