The Planetary boundaries framework presents nine intrinsic biophysical processes that have been altered by human activity to the extent that the stability of the Earth system is at risk. It is not unexpected that with so many social-ecological systems (SES) problems co-existing at the same time, they outline together boundaries that the human corporation has no other choice than to respect. However, despite awareness of the declining state of ecosystems, the link between business processes to macro ecological processes and boundary conditions have yet to be identified. Certain advances have been recognized, but this “corporate-ecological” disconnection is still a concern. The paper seeks to contribute to the literature on corporate sustainability (CS) using a transdisciplinary (TD) research approach. We aim to explore methodological opportunities and challenges integrating SES thinking into CS practices using an exercise of mutual learning and exchange of knowledge. Specifically, we focus on how co-created knowledge can help in integrating SES thinking in CS practices. This analysis has partly been carried out through the organisation of a workshop[1] in January 2018, where academics and practitioners met and co-produced propositions on how to further the process of integrating SES thinking into CS practice. The paper is partly based on the outcomes of one of the workshop tracks that focused on ‘Integrated sustainability strategies’. This track consisted of two sub-themes; a) Identifying sustainability risks using an integrated strategy and b) Integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the corporate strategy. We will in addition use semi-structured interviews with six workshop participants. The interview questions will cover three major themes: (a) understanding of conceptual application, (b) understanding of practical application, and (c) the state-of play of integrating SES thinking into CS practices. The learning outcomes of the workshop will be used to extend the CS literature in two ways: First, the paper reflects on the opportunities and challenges of TD research in the field of CS. On the one hand, a TD research design represents transformative power since other actors than academics represent ‘valid’ knowledge, which enable collaboration and trust that can create practical change. On the other hand, the collaborative setting may hamper the critical role of the researchers. For example, certain boundary conditions may be negotiated away through pragmatic reasoning. Second, the paper will analyse how specific actors perceive SES issues in a business setting since the workshop design enables insights in the core arguments used by both academics and practitioners. By identifying differences in positions taken by the actors, it is possible to discuss the “corporate-ecological” disconnection in novel ways. Moreover, this research is not only a contribution to transdisciplinary methodologies but is aiming to contribute to theoretical discussions about SES thinking in CS since it is an analysis of different perceptions and approaches to evaluate risk management and the strategic use of the SDGs.
Key words: Transdisciplinary research, corporate sustainability, systems-thinking, social-ecological systems
[1] See workshop description here: http://www.smart.uio.no/events/events/Integrating%20systems-thinking%20in%20corporate%20sustainability
1b. Research methods and methodologies (including the role of academia, policy engagement
