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Sustainable Management at a University in Light of Tensions of Sustainability Theory

Author

Listed:
  • Simone Sehnem
  • Graciella Martignago
  • Susana Carla Pereira
  • Charbel Jabour

Abstract

Drawing on the theory of tensions of sustainability management, this original work aims at analysing tensions that emerged during the process of inserting sustainability at core processes of an important Brazilian university. Eleven interviews were conducted and analysed through the thematic categorisation and the Atlas ti software was used. A documental analysis was also carried out. The results suggested that: (a) there was a predominance of tensions originating from the organizational dimension; (b) the performance dimension was associated with the plurality of outcomes expected by stakeholders; (c) the existing asymmetry between the expectation of the subjects and the concrete results visualized in the Unisul University as contributed to the fact that the points of tension converged towards the performance dimension. And it challenged managers to find mechanisms to minimize the dilemmas and conflicts that emerged and to align the expectations of the different stakeholders of the Unisul Sustainable enterprise.

Suggested Citation

  • Simone Sehnem & Graciella Martignago & Susana Carla Pereira & Charbel Jabour, 2019. "Sustainable Management at a University in Light of Tensions of Sustainability Theory," RAC - Revista de Administração Contemporânea (Journal of Contemporary Administration), ANPAD - Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Administração, vol. 23(2), pages 182-206.
  • Handle: RePEc:abg:anprac:v:23:y:2019:i:2:1322
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wagner, Marcus, 2015. "The link of environmental and economic performance: Drivers and limitations of sustainability integration," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 68(6), pages 1306-1317.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anastasia Atabekova, 2020. "University Discourse to Foster Youth’s Sustainability in Society amidst COVID19: International and Russian Features," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-32, September.
    2. Dyi-Cheng Chen & Tzu-Wen Chen, 2021. "Research on Sustainable Management Strategies for the Machine Tool Industry during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Annina Lattu & Yuzhuo Cai, 2020. "Tensions in the Sustainability of Higher Education—The Case of Finnish Universities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-15, March.
    4. Chin-Wen Liao & Jen-Hui Lin & Tzu-Wen Chen, 2022. "Research on a Framework for Sustainable Campus Eco-Architecture Selection: Taking a Taiwan High School as an Example," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-17, May.

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