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Navigating tensions in a cross‐sector social partnership: How a convener drives change for sustainability

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  • Iteke van Hille
  • Frank G.A. de Bakker
  • Julie E. Ferguson
  • Peter Groenewegen

Abstract

In this paper, we study conveners' work in establishing change towards sustainability through cross‐sector social partnerships (CSSPs). Applying a paradox lens, we offer a new perspective on tensions in CSSPs: These are not hurdles or challenges to overcome in order to reach success but endure throughout the entire CSSP process. This insight changes the role of the convener, who no longer has to overcome but has to navigate tension. We focus on two tensions related to the convener role: the convener as leader but without formal authority over CSSP‐partners and the convener as both stakeholder and (neutral) facilitator in the process. Through a case study on a CSSP in the Dutch timber sector, we explain how a convener (Forest Stewardship Council Netherlands) responded to these tensions over time. We add to literatures on CSSPs and convening by outlining the relevance of a paradox perspective in this domain.

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  • Iteke van Hille & Frank G.A. de Bakker & Julie E. Ferguson & Peter Groenewegen, 2019. "Navigating tensions in a cross‐sector social partnership: How a convener drives change for sustainability," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(2), pages 317-329, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:corsem:v:26:y:2019:i:2:p:317-329
    DOI: 10.1002/csr.1684
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    2. Claudia Savarese & Benjamin Huybrechts & Marek Hudon, 2020. "The Influence of Interorganizational Collaboration on Logic Conciliation and Tensions Within Hybrid Organizations: Insights from Social Enterprise–Corporate Collaborations," ULB Institutional Repository 2013/311573, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    3. Simone Carmine & Valentina De Marchi, 2023. "Reviewing Paradox Theory in Corporate Sustainability Toward a Systems Perspective," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 184(1), pages 139-158, April.
    4. Juan Pablo Valbuena‐Hernandez & Natalia Ortiz‐de‐Mandojana, 2022. "Encouraging corporate sustainability through effective strategic partnerships," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(1), pages 124-134, January.
    5. Paolo Esposito & Gianluca Antonucci, 2022. "NGOs, corporate social responsibility and sustainable development trajectories in a new reformative spectrum: ‘New wine in old bottles or old wine in new bottles?’," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(3), pages 609-619, May.
    6. Claudia Savarese & Benjamin Huybrechts & Marek Hudon, 2021. "The Influence of Interorganizational Collaboration on Logic Conciliation and Tensions Within Hybrid Organizations: Insights from Social Enterprise–Corporate Collaborations," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 173(4), pages 709-721, November.

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