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    A decision theory perspective on wicked problems, SDGs and stakeholders: the case of deforestation

    Alexander, A. and Walker, H. and Delabre, Izabela (2022) A decision theory perspective on wicked problems, SDGs and stakeholders: the case of deforestation. Journal of Business Ethics 180 , pp. 975-995. ISSN 0167-4544.

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    Abstract

    The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an opportunity to address major social and environmental challenges. As a widely agreed framework, they offer a potential way to mobilise stakeholders on a global scale. The manner in which the goals, with time-based targets and specific metrics, are set out within a voluntary reporting process adopted by both governments and business, provides a fascinating and important case for organisational studies. It is both about advancing performance measurement and evidence-based policy-making for sustainable development, and also participation and consultation at a wider, more global scale, than has ever been possible before. This paper contributes to the notion of SDGs as a wicked problem, answering calls for deeper theorisation, via synthesis with core ideas in the management field of decision theory. A case study on the wicked problem of deforestation and its links to supply chains, multi-stakeholder initiatives and SDG reporting, provides an illustration of the relevance of the application of decision theory to wicked problems, presented using a novel conceptual framework. This helps to illustrate new avenues for research and practical application regarding the balance of technocratic and participative approaches for sustainable development.

    Metadata

    Item Type: Article
    Keyword(s) / Subject(s): SDGs, Wicked problems, Decision theory, Supply chains, Deforestation
    School: Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences
    Depositing User: Izabela Delabre
    Date Deposited: 24 Aug 2022 15:18
    Last Modified: 02 Aug 2023 18:16
    URI: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/48322

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