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.
Text
Alexander_et_al_2022_JBE_DT_SDG_preprint.pdf - Author's Accepted Manuscript Restricted to Repository staff only Download (927kB) |
||
|
Text
48322a.pdf - Published Version of Record Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB) | Preview |
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 |
Statistics
Additional statistics are available via IRStats2.