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An ecosystemic framework for business sustainability

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  • Sun, Jiazhe
  • Wu, Shunan
  • Yang, Kaizhong

Abstract

This article introduces an ecosystemic framework to foster innovation for business sustainability. We emphasize the idea of systemic thinking in which the business operates as a system similar to a living organism. In this framework, businesses impact the environment in which they operate in a fluid, dynamic, and interdependent way. This approach contrasts with the linear approach commonly used in business and other disciplines, which tries to explain what might cause an action or reaction but ignores any feedback effect between the subsequent action and its cause. This article offers practical solutions and guidance for business leaders to incorporate complexity science into creating sustainable businesses.

Suggested Citation

  • Sun, Jiazhe & Wu, Shunan & Yang, Kaizhong, 2018. "An ecosystemic framework for business sustainability," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 61(1), pages 59-72.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:61:y:2018:i:1:p:59-72
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2017.09.006
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    4. Neda Alizadeh & Alireza Nikouei & Maryam Mahmoodi, 2024. "Factors affecting formation of agricultural entrepreneurship ecosystem: an evidence from Iran," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 14(1), pages 1-17, December.
    5. Max M. Weber, 2023. "The Relationship between Resilience and Sustainability in the Organizational Context—A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-26, November.
    6. Oluwasoye P. Mafimisebi & Adekunle I. Ogunsade, 2022. "Unlocking a Continent of Opportunity: Entrepreneurship and Digital Ecosystems for Value Creation in Africa," FIIB Business Review, , vol. 11(1), pages 11-22, March.
    7. Ernestina Rubio-Mozos & Fernando E. García-Muiña & Laura Fuentes-Moraleda, 2020. "Sustainable Strategic Management Model for Hotel Companies: A Multi-Stakeholder Proposal to “Walk the Talk” toward SDGs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-25, October.
    8. Marshall, Donna & O’Dochartaigh, Aideen & Prothero, Andrea & Reynolds, Orlagh & Secchi, Enrico, 2023. "Are you ready for the sustainable, biocircular economy?," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 66(6), pages 805-816.
    9. Nia Kurniati Bachtiar & Agus Setiawan & Galih Adi Prastyan & Ploypailin Kijkasiwat, 2023. "Business resilience and growth strategy transformation post crisis," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 12(1), pages 1-25, December.
    10. S. Sinan Erzurumlu & Stephen Deets & David Nersessian & Vikki L. Rodgers, 2023. "Strategic engagement of business with Sustainable Development Goals: A systems thinking approach," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(7), pages 4954-4969, November.
    11. Daniel R. Gomes & Neuza Ribeiro & Gabriela Gomes & Eduardo Ortega & Ana Semedo, 2024. "Green HRM’s Effect on Employees’ Eco-Friendly Behavior and Green Performance: A Study in the Portuguese Tourism Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-17, November.

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