Dahlmann, Frederik (2016) Organisational fitness searches in the Anthropocene : integrating paradox and corporate sustainability. Working Paper. Coventry: Warwick Business School. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

In this paper I explore the notion that ‘organisational fitness’ as conceptualised in complexity theories represents an inherent and enduring paradox in corporate evolution. More specifically, in a changing world – increasingly characterised as the Anthropocene – firms’ fitness is significantly determined by the ability to manage the persistent trade-offs between maximising profit and survival. I develop proposals to suggest that firms with stronger corporate sustainability efforts are institutionalising organisational search and change processes, and therefore that those that internalise the resulting paradoxes as part of their identity are likely to be better adapted and more resilient. In doing so I attempt to explain why corporate sustainability efforts represent an extension of other paradoxes in general organisational evolution and thus contribute to the complementarity of a systems view on sustainability research and paradox theory.

Item Type:	Working or Discussion Paper (Working Paper)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School > Global Energy Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Sustainability, Business planning
Publisher:	Warwick Business School
Place of Publication:	Coventry
Official Date:	26 January 2016
Dates:	Date Event 26 January 2016 Available
Number of Pages:	32
Status:	Not Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Unpublished

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