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Forward-Looking Sustainability Agency for Developing Future Cruise Ships

Author

Listed:
  • Leena Jokinen

    (Finland Futures Research Centre, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland)

  • Tuire Palonen

    (Department of Teacher Education, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland)

  • Helka Kalliomäki

    (School of Management, University of Vaasa, 65200 Vaasa, Finland)

  • Oana Apostol

    (Faculty of Management and Business, University of Tampere, 33100 Tampere, Finland)

  • Katariina Heikkilä

    (Finland Futures Research Centre, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland)

Abstract

The study addressed sharing of futures insights as a component of sustainability agency for long-term company enhancement in an interorganizational shipbuilders’ network. The purpose was to analyze social structures under “agency” terminology. This joint sustainability project involved a partnership of firms, academia, and nongovernmental organization (NGO) actors in collaborative cruise ship building. The study adapted a mixed method approach where social network analysis (SNA) was enriched with other contextual data to make network data more applicable and accessible. The results revealed a loose and thin network structure, with relatively high trust among network actors. The network’s social structure was found to facilitate insight sharing. Lead firm actors clearly played a central role in enhancing sustainability, and the researchers, as well as industrial association actors, made a significant contribution to insight sharing and transmission. The findings suggest that the case network would benefit from an open and balanced social structure that incorporates a number of insight brokers to enhance forward-looking sustainability agency (F-L SA). Futures insight sharing enhances agency in the context of joint sustainability actions and improves capacity to respond to systemic challenges. Understanding how proactive agency can be promoted in network settings strengthens strategic aspects of managerial practice and contributes to discourse around sustainability agency.

Suggested Citation

  • Leena Jokinen & Tuire Palonen & Helka Kalliomäki & Oana Apostol & Katariina Heikkilä, 2020. "Forward-Looking Sustainability Agency for Developing Future Cruise Ships," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:22:p:9644-:d:447475
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Emilia-Zorica Bozga, 2021. "Insights from Companies Research: Sustainability Matters," Ovidius University Annals, Economic Sciences Series, Ovidius University of Constantza, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 0(1), pages 199-206, August.

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