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Knowledge-Based Organizations Working Toward Sustainability

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Knowledge-Based Organizations Working Toward Sustainability Scaling-up Impact: Knowledge-based Organizations Working Toward Sustainability David Adema, Sara Blenkhorn and Sarah Houseman School of Engineering Blekinge Institute of Technology Karlskrona, Sweden 2009 Thesis submitted for completion of Master of Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden. Abstract: Human society faces serious environmental and social threats as a result of systemic unsustainable actions and values. This is a time of cultural self- evaluation and profound change. This study examines how 13 social and environmental change-based organizations, through network partnerships and a robust organizational knowledge-base, are responding to these challenges. A systems perspective was used as a guide to promote a holistic understanding of the actors within the system, their perceptions of success, strategies, actions and tools used to guide them toward sustainability. The results indicate that organizations seeking to scale-up their impact toward sustainability might benefit from the following success factors: 1. Collaboration with diverse partners to contribute to more effective interventions in complex systems, 2. Integrating comprehensive definitions of sustainability with organizational vision to facilitate success, 3. The application of leverage points and transparent prioritization processes to asure congruence between organizational purpose and actions, 4. Practices of dialogue and deep listening build rewarding partnerships and, 5. Metrics that support partnerships and gauge progress toward sustainability. In conclusion network partnerships have the potential to generate widespread sustained change and can be supported by complex systems science and a Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development. Keywords: Collaboration, Complex Systems Science, Leverage Points, Partnerships, Emergence, Strategic Sustainable Development Statement of Contribution The research conducted in this thesis was a joint effort, with each researcher bringing their unique experiences, perspectives and strengths to create a final product that is greater than the sum of its individual parts. David Adema brought his succinct business acumen, writing skills and attention to detail, keeping the group on track and ensuring deadlines were met. Sara Blenkhorn delivered to the group her networking skills and ability to see what is missing, bringing the group quality interviews, and identifying and filling gaps when things were missing. Sarah Houseman brought her networks, robust research and writing abilities, giving this thesis tremendous breadth and depth. This document was written, researched and edited by these three individuals with each serving a certain role in creating both separate and combined sections of document. Many roles were undertaken by team members to produce this document, some very visible others less so and all essential to producing a co-created document. The roles encompass: organization and planning, research and writing, editing, design and layout, emotional and process orientated work. The thesis team originally convened around the following question posed by The Natural Step International: “What organizational models and practices are needed to scal- up the dissemination of information that builds the Strategic Sustainable Development capacity throughout society?” As this thesis evolved, we brought our own interests and experience to derive a different but related research question that we hope still provides insight to TNS and all other KBOs working for social and environmental change. In the beginning stages of this study, we developed several processes for working together. All decisions were made through consensus. Silence and short breaks were practiced where an expedient consensus could not be reached. Each group member took responsibility for expressing their individual needs and the group respected those needs in return. II This thesis was as much about the process as it was the result. Throughout the experience we have learned more about ourselves, our strengths, weaknesses and the process of collaboration than we thought was humanly possible. We are truly grateful to have taken part in this experience knowing that we would not be the same people we are today not having been involved in such a demanding project. In addition to what this thesis has offered u, we hope that it provides assistance and guidance to the Knowledge-based Organizations of the world as we continue to move toward a globally sustainable future. David Adema Sara Blenkhorn Sarah Houseman Karlskrona, June 2009 III Acknowledgments This study presented a tremendous learning opportunity for each of us. Completion of this project as a group of three allowed us to conduct research on of the topic of partnership through the purest possible context of its meaning - experiential involvement with numerous contributors. Without each other, or in the absence of our varied perspectives and methodologies for completing the process, this experience would not have been nearly as rich and fruitful as it was. The researchers are particularly grateful to the 13 Knowledge-based Organizations that gave us their time, thoughtful insight and the opportunity to examine their extraordinary organizations and the culture, which constitutes them. We express our deepest gratitude to the following individuals and organizations. John Coonrod - Director of Strategy and Impact, The Hunger Project Michael Eber - Director Partner Technology Support, The Grameen Foundation Dr. Chris Hails - Director of Network Relations, The World Wildlife Fund for Nature Hal Hamilton - Co-Director, The Sustainable Food Lab Dr. Sally Jeanrenaud - Coordinator, IUCN Future of Sustainability Initiative Mikkel Kallesoe - Program Manager & Environmental Economist, The World Business Council for Sustainable Development Martin Kärcher - Coordinator, Switzerland Office of The Global Footprint Network Kristoffer Lundholm - Design Team Member, Forum For the Future Mary Rick - Program Director, The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies IV Jon Symes - Outreach Director for the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium, The Pachamama Alliance Tracy Apple – Director Symposium and Facilitator Training Development, The Pachamama Alliance Dr. Antje Toennis - Communications Director, GLS Treuhand The Natural Capital Institute and The New Economics Foundation We would also like to give a huge thank you to our advisors, Anthony Thompson, Merlina Missimer, Richard Blume, and Dave Waldron. Without their insight, clarity and considered advice we would not have been as capable in creating this body of work. We would also like to thank Shawn Westcott and Andrew Outhwaite, alumni members of the MSLS program, for their ongoing mentorship, support and wisdom. The Program team at BTH are also deserving of acknowledgement, most notably for humouring our panic moments and endless questions, this includes Tamara Connell and Karen Miller. Last, but most definitely not least, we would like to thank our peers, friends and families for their feedback and motivational support. Your wit and wisdom will truly be missed as we conclude this chapter and embark on a new one. You have all contributed to this amazing experience and for this we are grateful. Thank you! V Executive Summary Introduction There is a growing consensus that society faces a multitude of eminent threats as the result of un-sustainable actions and values. Countless actors within society and the biosphere constitute a complex and dynamic system where seemingly isolated and independent actions are being realized to have unanticipated and dangerous repercussions on the Earth‘s capacity to sustain contemporary global civilization. This is a time of cultural self- evaluation and profound change. This study explores how 13 of these organizations, through partnerships and a robust organizational knowledge- base, are responding to these challenges collaboratively. Five success factors aligned with the Framework for Strategic Sustainabile Development emerged from an in-depth analysis of how these organizations established effective internal practices to develop their network partnerships strategically for sustainability. Two significant opportunities for organizational development were identified through this study: development of simple and transparent strategic prioritization tools and the adoption of unambiguous and comprehensive frameworks for sustainability. Methods To address the complexity of this topic area, a robust framework, literature review and case studies were implemented to promote breadth and depth. A holistic systems perspective was achieved through use of the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) to guide the thinking, research and consolidation of findings from this thesis (Holmberg and Robèrt 2000). Results and Discussion Success Factor One: A systems perspective is essential to move society closer toward sustainability. This study found a high degree of systems awareness and innovative practices capable of providing alternatives to the dominant logical / linear mindset. The majority of our case study group VI operated with an understanding that they were part of a complex, chaotic and interconnected system - a surprising result considering the minority status of this perspective in mainstream society. Network partnerships are a critical strategy to ensure Knowledge-based Organizations (KBO) realize success in the systems they are changing. Each KBO recognized that none held
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