Sustainable paradise lost: competing and complementary discussions on sustainability

Abstract

Why do conflicts arise even when we all aim for sustainability? Simply using the term “sustainability” does not eliminate disagreements. This is because discussions about sustainability are so varied that reaching a consensus can be challenging. To address these conflicts, it’s crucial to systematically understand their origins. With this perspective, this study delved into existing management literature on sustainability to explore: (1) how conversations about sustainability differ based on its boundaries, references, rationales, subjects, and objects, and (2) how these differing views can potentially complement each other. The results offer both theoretical and practical insights on how sustainability concepts and practices may be sustained.