Steven Cavaleri

(Central Connecticut State University, USA)

 

 

Abstract: Despite the rapidly growing importance of sustainability to corporations, the majority of firms manage sustainability in simplistic, and often mechanical ways. These methods are often incapable of solving the complex sustainability problems typically encountered in companies. There are many reasons for this seeming paradox, though the chief cause is companies often fail to connect their strategic decisions to their present sustainability problems. This paper examines some of the common causes of underperforming in sustainability management, and offers a conceptual framework changing the way sustainability is managed going forward. In particular, a strategic knowledge-based approach to sustainability management is recommended. Historically, corporate strategies have focused on improving business performance factors, such as profits, yet are rarely geared toward solving the complex challenges that undermine sustainability efforts. By adopting pre-emptive strategies that prevent the formation of sustainability problems, companies reduce risks and forgo the costs often associated with sustainability continuous improvement initiatives.

 

 

Key words: eco-efficiency, interactive planning, knowledge processing, organizational learning, strategy,

sustainability, sustainability management

 

JEL code: M10