Strategies and Practices for Sustainability: Experiences from Firm Level

摘要: The four system conditions for sustainability presented in Holmberg’s Ph.D. dissertation (1995) provided a foundation the approach used by ‘Natural Step’ both Sweden and several other countries (e.g. Holmberg & Robert 2000). In 1990s developed ‘backcasting’ to strategy development companies was involved projects introduce defined these conditions. This work had considerable impact firms. Electrolux established an environmental policy direct effect of backcasting decision develop first CFC free refrigerators, which put company far ahead their competitors. is just one example that illustrates how this has potential stimulate new directions, would not happen based on more traditional trend-based analysis. Although have been showing good results, firms lost focus working with after some time. So question remained – can become natural part processes practices companies? An action research project initiated 2004 at three large Swedish corporations. aim further context sustainable present recommendations process implementation companies. This paper discusses alternative ways using integrating concept approaches/practices The design learning robust strategies business units major Representatives from participated workshops learn together share experiences on-going each company. Interviews were provide additional understanding within firm. The conclusion all parts firm. As vision it organizing metaphor but there are also various accompanying techniques practices. Firms choose different ways. Some view as assignment department supported central committees. Others start out perspective should be what everyone does normal job. latter case, parallel quality obvious when really works becomes totally integrated daily - product development, supply chain, etc. then paradoxical ‘invisible success’ (Book et al. 2004, Book 2006). One general observation takes time thorough approach. It useful where top management involvement link between competitive advantage facilitate help speeding up process. For driven companies, starting point make regular process, reaching status critical success factor. Then, need non-traditional tools, such scenario-planning backcasting. specific conceptualization they levels organization. First, input processes. Second, support individuals’ decision-making work, e.g. alternatives do systematically increase number substances stratosphere.