Can organisations pave the way for sustainability in communities?

Mary Bonich, Louise Metcalf

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contribution

    Abstract

    Organisations are increasingly asked to respond to local environmental issues, however, due to competing interests, initiatives they can often be viewed with skepticism and mistrust. Research on organisationally led initiatives to respond positively to environmental issues is lacking. Using qualitative methodology, this case explores the drivers of a successful sustainable water allocation strategy in the town of Griffith NSW, part of the Murray Darling Basin, facilitated by the local irrigation authority. Data indicated that community engagement in planning and scoping was important in fostering support and project success. Equity in engagement, and facilitation via a combined top-down/bottom-up management style, increased trust. Understanding of the needs of each stakeholder group generated better engagement in the project, regardless of project outcomes, indicating that authentic consultation was a significant factor. This research suggests that given the appropriate stimulus, communities can ‘emerge’ their own sustainability.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 25th Annual Conference of the International Association for Business and Society (IABS)
    Subtitle of host publicationreclaiming the societal dimension
    EditorsColin Higgins, Jamie R. Hendry
    Place of PublicationUSA
    PublisherInternational Association for Business and Society
    Pages201-212
    Number of pages12
    ISBN (Print)9780991086702
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    EventAnnual Conference of the International Association for Business and Society (25th : 2014) - Sydney
    Duration: 19 Jun 201422 Jun 2014

    Conference

    ConferenceAnnual Conference of the International Association for Business and Society (25th : 2014)
    CitySydney
    Period19/06/1422/06/14

    Bibliographical note

    Previously published in Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Sustainable Leadership, Butt, Lorne and Avery, Gayle C. (Eds), p.45-60 (2014)

    Keywords

    • Murray Darling Basin
    • Sustainability
    • Stakeholder engagement
    • Organisationally led initiatives

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