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Service Ecosystem Health: A Transformative Approach to Elevating Service Science

Author

Listed:
  • Raymond P. Fisk

    (McCoy College of Business, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas 78666)

  • Linda Alkire

    (McCoy College of Business, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas 78666)

Abstract

Events in the year 2020 threw human service systems into chaotic states, threatening peoples’ lives and livelihoods. Before 2020, there were many profound challenges to human life that had been well documented by efforts such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a “last straw” crisis that has destabilized modern human civilization. This article diagnoses various crises of human service systems (e.g., COVID-19, inequality, and climate change) and proposes the metaphor of service ecosystem health for reimagining service science in a postpandemic world. Service ecosystem health is defined as the interdependent state of private, public, and planetary well-being necessary for sustaining life. This article reimagines service science, broadens transformative service research, builds the service ecosystem health metaphor, outlines the Goldilocks Civilization thought experiment, and explores designing for a Goldilocks civilization. Because service is for humans, the ultimate objective is to elevate service science to uplift human well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Raymond P. Fisk & Linda Alkire, 2021. "Service Ecosystem Health: A Transformative Approach to Elevating Service Science," Service Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(4), pages 194-204, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orserv:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:194-204
    DOI: 10.1287/serv.2021.0281
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