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A People-Focused Systems Approach to Sustainability
Niki Harré1, Charlotte Blythe1, Lucy McLean1
1School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
American Journal of Community Psychology
|August 30, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a people-focused systems approach to organizational sustainability, developing a sustainable social system (SSS) at a New Zealand high school. It highlights key features for fostering a resilient sustainability culture and identities within organizations.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Psychology
- Environmental Education
- Systems Theory
Background:
- Contemporary societies face challenges in creating sustainable organizations.
- Organizational sustainability requires a focus on human and ecological flourishing.
- A bicultural high school in Aotearoa New Zealand served as a case study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To offer a people-focused systems approach to organizational sustainability.
- To develop and analyze a sustainable social system (SSS) within an educational institution.
- To identify key features contributing to the growth and resilience of an SSS.
Main Methods:
- Action research project conducted over a decade (2008-2018).
- Qualitative data collection through interviews (n=23) and meeting minutes analysis (n=46).
- Complex systems approach used to map the SSS components, sub-systems, and emergent properties.
Main Results:
- A map of the SSS was created, detailing people, purpose, infrastructure, and activities.
- Emergent properties included a strong sustainability culture and evolving identities.
- Seven significant features contributing to the SSS's growth and resilience were identified.
Conclusions:
- A people-focused SSS can be fostered by insiders with sustainability values.
- Key strategies include establishing democratic networks and integrating sustainability into core activities.
- The study provides a model for developing resilient and effective organizational sustainability.
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