Sustainability Research
Sustainability is of increasing significance for businesses, communities, and national economies around the globe. Sustainability addresses economic, environmental, and social issues, but it also incorporates cultural dimensions. In the face of globalisation, societies seek to preserve their cultural values and community identity, while still participating in the global economy.
In New Zealand the importance of sustainability issues has been recognised by central and local government policies, environmental and economic development agencies, and business leaders. Two of the active business groups focusing on these issues are the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development (NZBCSD) and the Sustainable Business Network (SBN). WaikatoManagementSchool is working in partnership with both of these key business groups on sustainability projects and events. The aim of these initiatives is to develop and share insights on sustainable economic development and sustainable enterprise success.
The WaikatoManagementSchool is distinctive in its commitment ‘to inspire the world with fresh understandings of sustainable success’. These fresh understandings will be achieved through our high quality research that can influence policy makers, excellent teaching, through the knowledge and values our graduates take into the workforce, through our continued consulting with business and the outstanding experiences offered to everyone who connects with the School. We see education and research as key factors in enabling New Zealand to be a sustainable nation and sustainability as central to the future of business.
WaikatoManagementSchool’s Research Programme
The School’s research generates world-leading theory and practice-relevant research. The overall aim of the School’s research is to shape management theory, influence business practice and inform public policy in New Zealand and around the globe. The School’s research portfolio includes a wide range of theoretical and applied projects in all of the core management disciplines and in a series of multi-disciplinary research areas aligned with the government’s strategic goals and the priorities of external funding agencies. Approximately one third of the School’s publications over the past five years have focused in the areas of Social and Sustainable Development. Within the School’s research programmes, faculty work collaboratively with many international scholars and a wide range of business, government and community groups.
Our Sustainability Research Agenda
Since the adoption of the theme of sustainable success in the School’s purpose and strategic positioning, the numbers of faculty and postgraduate students involved in sustainability research projects has increased. As issues of sustainability impact on all management disciplines, research projects have been initiated in all of the School’s subject areas. For example, ethical investments in financing, sustainability measures in accounting and economics, evolution of sustainable marketing, and cultural issues in tourism.
In this 2007 edition of the School’s Sustainability Research report we have included short profiles of a series of sustainability research projects that are being conducted by WaikatoManagementSchool staff and doctoral students. We have grouped these research projects into four main topic areas:
1)Sustainable Development – includes research focusing on sustainability practices and policies, sustainable economic and regional development, sustainable biotechnology, sustainable tourism, and sustainable livelihoods.
2)Corporate Social Responsibility – includes New Zealand and international research focusing on corporate social responsibility issues, theories and practices.
3)Environmental Sustainability – includes research focusing on environmental resources, policies and their impacts.
4)PhD Projects in Sustainability – includes current doctoral students whose thesis topics are focused on sustainability issues.
As our research agenda in these areas is growing rapidly, we will be updating this report regularly and putting this information on our website. If you would like more information on any of these projects, please feel free to contact the research staff directly. We would also be very keen to hear from you if you would like to participate in sustainability research projects with our staff.
Professor Delwyn N. Clark
Associate Dean Research, WaikatoManagementSchool
19 September 2007
Contents
Section One: Sustainable Economic Development
1.1 / Sustainability Practices of New Zealand Business / 111.2 / Socially and Culturally Sustainable Biotechnology / 13
1.3 / The Sustainability of New Zealand Manufacturing Management / 16
1.4 / Clusters and Sustainable Regional Development / 18
1.5 / Economic Development of the Waikato Region / 20
1.6 / Regional Tourism Organisations: Sustainability and Destination Management / 22
1.7 / The Development of Tourism Initiatives to Accelerate Economic Development in the Waikato / 24
1.8 / The Role of Local Government in Sustainable Tourism Planning and Destination Management / 25
1.9 / Managing and Sharing Cultural Resources for Tourism: Migrant Entrepreneurs in West Auckland / 26
1.10 / The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Sustainable Livelihoods / 28
1.11 / Trade Liberalisation and Poverty / 29
1.12 / Bilateral Trade Intensities and Trade Reciprocity between New Zealand – China and Selected Countries: An Empirical Analysis in the Context of an Opportunity for a Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) / 31
1.13 / Testing the Referendum Incentive Compatibility in Contingent Valuation Surveys through the Provision of Information Messages / 33
1.14 / An Analysis of the Returns Listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange / 35
Section Two: Corporate Social Responsibility
2.1 / The Communicative Properties of Science and Technology Dialogue / 412.2 / The Evolution of Sustainable Marketing / 43
2.3 / A Communitarian Approach to Constructing Accountability and Strategies for Sustainable Development / 46
2.4 / Socio-Cultural Implications of the Discursive Intersections between Immigration and Biotechnology in New Zealand / 48
2.5 / Spirit, Enterprise and Sustainability / 50
2.6 / Lessons from South Africa about Sustainability / 51
2.7 / ICTs and New ZealandPrimary School Boards of Trustees / 53
2.8 / Implications of Global Restructuring on a SmallOne-IndustryTown / 56
2.9 / In Search of Well-bring in the Workplace / 58
2.10 / The International Hotel Industry: Sustainable Management / 61
2.11 / Investing Sustainability in Advertising / 62
2.12 / The Social Construction of Social Enterprise / 63
2.13 / Social Enterprise and Sustainable Futures / 65
2.14 / CSR and the Teaching of Management Accounting / 68
2.15 / Wisdom and Ethics in Management: Helping the Next Generation to Prepare / 69
Section Three: Environmental Sustainability
3.1 / Improved Policy Interventions for Encouraging the Voluntary Use of Landowners of Practices Protecting and Enhancing Biodiversity / 753.2 / Agriculture and the Environment: Improving Policy and Management / 77
3.3 / Environmental Effects of Agricultural Trade Reforms / 79
3.4 / LakeTaupo: Water Quality and Agricultural Land Valuations / 81
3.5 / Respondent-versus Researcher-selected Attributes in Choice Experiments: The Case of Beach Water Quality in Tobago / 82
3.6 / Exploring the Performance of WTP-space Utility Specifications in Discrete Choice Models of Site Selection for Non-market Valuation of Environmental Attributes / 83
3.7 / Exploring the Value of Collective Reputation for Environmentally-Friendly Production Methods: The Case of Organic Carrots in Val di Gresta / 84
3.8 / Protection Motivation Theory and Stated Willingness to Pay for Organic Products: The Case of Organic Carrots / 85
Section Four: PhDs in Sustainability
4.1 / Constructing Strategies for Sustainable Development the Communitarian Way / 914.2 / Constructive Corporate Engagement? An Inquiry into Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Community Engagement in Myanmar/Burma / 93
4.3 / Digital Storytelling to Empower Personal and Organisational Change Toward a Sustainable Future / 95
4.4 / Framing the Contribution of Voluntary Activity and Paid Work to Perceived Well-being: A New Zealand Case Study / 97
4.5 / Enterprise and Otherness: Management of the Dynamics of Cultural Interaction in Tourism Product / 98
4.6 / The Caring Face of Business? A Study of the Discursive Construction of the New Zealand Businesses for Social Responsibility Organisation / 100
4.7 / Sustainable Marketing Systems: Systeming Interpretations of Marketer and Consumer Communications / 102
4.8 / The Non-Market Value of Biodiversity in New Zealand / 104
Sustainable Economic Development
Section One: Sustainable Economic Development
1.1 / Sustainability Practices of New Zealand BusinessEva Collins, Stewart Lawrence & Juliet Roper - WaikatoManagementSchool / 11
1.2 / Socially and Culturally Sustainable Biotechnology
Richard Varey, Jim Barker, Jarrod Haar - WaikatoManagementSchool
Judy Motion & Shirley Leitch - University of Wollongong
Sally Davenport - VictoriaUniversity of Wellington
Bill Doolin & Terry Nolan – AucklandUniversity of Technology
Fiona Te Momo – MasseyUniversity
Jo Gamble – HortResearch / 13
1.3 / The Sustainability of New Zealand Manufacturing Management
Paul Childerhouse, Les Foulds, Chuda Basnet & Valerie Martin - WaikatoManagementSchool / 16
1.4 / Clusters and Sustainable Regional Development
Kathryn Pavlovich & Michele Akoorie - WaikatoManagementSchool / 18
1.5 / Economic Development of the Waikato Region
Philip McCann, Frank Scrimgeour, Warren Hughes, Stuart Locke, Dan Marsh & Michael Cameron - WaikatoManagementSchool / 20
1.6 / Regional Tourism Organisations: Sustainability and Destination Management
Anne Zahra - WaikatoManagementSchool / 22
1.7 / The Development of Tourism Initiatives to Accelerate Economic Development in the Waikato
Anne Zahra - WaikatoManagementSchool / 24
1.8 / The Role of Local Government in Sustainable Tourism Planning and Destination Management
Anne Zahra - WaikatoManagementSchool / 25
1.9 / Managing and Sharing Cultural Resources for Tourism: Migrant Entrepreneurs in West Auckland
JennyCave - WaikatoManagementSchool / 26
1.10 / The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Sustainable Livelihoods
Steven Lim & Michael Cameron - WaikatoManagementSchool / 28
1.11 / Trade Liberalisation and Poverty
Anna Strutt - WaikatoManagementSchool / 29
1.12 / Bilateral Trade Intensities and Trade Reciprocity between New Zealand – China and Selected Countries: An Empirical Analysis in the Context of an Opportunity for a Free-Trade Agreement (FTA)
Sayeeda Bano - WaikatoManagementSchool / 31
1.13 / Testing the Referendum Incentive Compatibility in Contingent Valuation Surveys through the Provision of Information Messages
Riccardo Scarpa,Frank Scrimgeour & Pamela Kaval - WaikatoManagementSchool
Gianluca Stefani – University of Florence / 33
1.14 / An Analysis of the Returns Listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange
Stuart Locke - WaikatoManagementSchool / 35
1.1Sustainability Practices of New Zealand Business
Key Researchers:
Dr Eva Collins, Dept of Strategy and Human Resource Management, WaikatoManagementSchool
Professor Stewart Lawrence, Department of Accounting, WaikatoManagementSchool
Professor Juliet Roper, Department of Management Communication, WaikatoManagementSchool
Research Question:
What is the nature and extent of business adoption of sustainability practices in New Zealand?
Abstract:
This research documented the nature and extent of the adoption of sustainability practices by a sample of over 500 firms in New Zealand, as well as the drivers and barriers to implementing those practices. The research compared results from surveys conducted in 2003 and 2006 as well as detailing a series of focus groups and interviews with survey participants in 2004 / 05. The study also examined differences between members of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) and non-members and differences related to business size. In assessing SBN membership and company size as determinants of good environmental and social practices, company size was found to be the more significant factor.
Keywords:
SMEs, sustainability, New Zealand, Sustainable Business Network
Research Findings:
To date the key findings of this research are:
- A key driver to business adoption of sustainability practices were the beliefs and values of senior management
- Large firms are more actively engaged in sustainability
- SMEs could be doing more related to environmental and social practices, however environmentally, small businesses (1-9 employees) showed the biggest increase in activity from 2003 to 2006
- Increased media and government attention related to sustainability from the 2003 to the 2006 survey did not translate into significant increases in pressure on firms to adopt environmental or social practices
Research Implications:
Business Relevance
This survey will provide New Zealand business with a benchmark of current sustainability practices and a base from which to measure future progress.
Implications for Academic Research/Teaching
An area for further research raised by the study is whether personal beliefs influence business practice or vice-versa.
Implications for Policy Makers and/or Stakeholders
The research findings that managers’ values and beliefs are a significant driver in the adoption of sustainability practices poses a challenge for policymakers interested in increasing the uptake of sustainability practices. Influencing values and beliefs can be problematic. On the positive side, the findings that a significant barrier for managers is lack of knowledge and skills can be seen as an area where government could provide a valuable service.
Relevance to Society
The results of the research show that we may be on the cusp of social change. The line between what drives personal behaviour and what drives business behaviour seems to be blurring.
Future Directions:
The next survey will be conducted in 2009. We are currently seeking funding for a second round of interviews and focus groups with survey participants.
Contact Details: Eva Collins, (07) 838 4083,
Stewart Lawrence, (07) 838 4466 ext 8794,
Juliet Roper, (07) 838 4142,
Funding: This project is a partnership with the WaikatoManagementSchool and the Sustainable Business Network. In 2003, the WaikatoManagementSchool provided $15,000 for the first survey. In 2004 funding was continued at over $9,000 to support the follow-up interviews and focus groups.
Timing:2007-2008 – second round of focus groups and interviews, 2009 - third national survey.
Publications:
Collins, E; Lawrence, S; Pavlovich, K; Ryan, C (2007) Business networks and the uptake of sustainability practices: the case of New Zealand, Journal of Cleaner Production, 15(8-9): 729-740.
Collins, E., Lawrence, S., & Roper, J. (2007) Sustainability Practices of New Zealand Businesses in 2006. Waikato Management School
Lawrence, S; Collins, E; Pavlovich, KArunachalam, M (2006) Sustainability practices of SMEs: the case of NZ, Business Strategy and the Environment, 15(4): 242-257
Collins, E., Lawrence, S., & Pavlovich, K. (2005) Business Networks and the Uptake of Sustainability Practices in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: The Case of New Zealand. Academy of Management Conference, August 2005.
Collins, E., & Lawrence, S. (2005) Sustainability practices of New Zealand business - A survey. The Corporate Citizen, 5(3), 22-23.
Collins, E. & Lawrence, S. (2004) Business Networks and the Uptake of Sustainability Practices in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: The Case of New Zealand.Greening of Industry Network Conference, Hong Kong.
Lawrence, S. & Collins, E. (2004) The Uptake of Sustainability Practices in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises:The Case of New Zealand.Corporate Social Reporting Conference, Nottingham.
Collins, E., Corner, P., Kearins, K., & Lawrence, S. (2004) Getting Serious About Voluntary Environmental Programmes. University Auckland Business Review 6(2), 57-65.
Lawrence, S. & Collins, E., (2004) Sustainability Practices of New Zealand Business.WaikatoManagementSchool, URL:
1.2 Socially and Culturally Sustainable Biotechnology
Key Researchers:
Professor Richard Varey, Programme Leader, Department of Marketing, WaikatoManagementSchool
Professor Jim Barker, Dept of Strategy Human Resource Management, WaikatoManagementSchool
Dr Jarrod Haar, Dept of Strategy and Human Resource Management, WaikatoManagementSchool
Professor Judy Motion, University of Wollongong
Professor Shirley Leitch, University of Wollongong
Professor Sally Davenport, VictoriaUniversity of Wellington
Professor Bill Doolin, AucklandUniversity of Technology
Dr Fiona Te Momo, MasseyUniversity
Dr Jo Gamble, HortResearch
Dr Terry Nolan, AucklandUniversity of Technology
Research Question:
What are the New Zealand industry and society views of socially and culturally sustainable biotechnology?
Abstract:
This programme aims to build understanding about biotechnology, constructive deliberative engagement between people in the community and the biotechnology sector and to grow New Zealand’s biotechnology sector to enhance economic and community benefits. The project is a five year programme of research examining the socio-economic and cultural impacts of biotechnology developments in New Zealand. The research programme involves multiple research projects that are linked each year by a research theme. Year one focused on ‘Life after the GM moratorium’, year two examined ‘Issues of sustainability’ and in year three ‘Biotechnology futures: identity and adaptation’ will be investigated. In-depth interviews, focus groups and archival documents are analysed using critical discourse analysis methods. The programme will develop appropriate frameworks for biotechnology-related dialogue and decision-making.
Keywords:
Sustainability, biotechnology developments, socio-economic impacts, cultural impacts, dialogue
Research Implications:
Business Relevance
This research project will produce a substantial body of New Zealand-relevant evidence to support policy advice on the research, development and deployment of biotechnology, and assist end-users in the development of sustainable biotechnology initiatives such as new products and methods of production.
Specific outcomes include:
- Raising economic gains from new knowledge-based enterprises
- Understanding the range of perceptions of biotechnology
- Identifying the potential socio-economic impacts of biotechnology
- Developing frameworks and opportunities for dialogue and decision-making in relation to biotechnology
Contact Details:Richard Varey, (07) 838 4617,
Funding:$2.5 million over five years, Foundation for Research, Science and Technology
Timing:1 July 2003- June 2008.
Publications:
Varey, R J. & Barker, J. (2007) Frameworks for creating sustainable biotechnology-related dialogue and decision-making communities, APABIS Conference on “Communities and Sustainable Development”, Port Vila, Vanuatu, 25-27 June
Henderson, A.; Weaver, C.K., & Cheney, G. (2007) Talking 'facts': Identity and nationality in industry perspectives on genetic modification,Discourse Studies, 9(1): 9-41.
Leitch, S.Davenport, S., (2007) Strategic ambiguity as a discourse practice: The role of keywords in the discourse on 'sustainable biotechnology,Discourse Studies. 9(1): 43-61.
Motion, J., & Doolin, B. (2007) Out of the laboratory: Scientists' discursive practices in their encounters with activists,Discourse Studies, 9(1): 63-85.
Doolin, B. (2007) Biotechnology discourse,Discourse Studies, 9(1): 5-8.
Leitch, S., & Motion, J. (2007) Retooling the corporate brand: A Foucauldian perspective on normalisation and differentiation, International Corporate Identity Group Conference, Scotland.
Motion, J., & Leitch, S., & Davenport, S. (2007) Political power plays and purse power: resistance and rebellion as reverse colonization, European Group of Organization Studies (EGOS) Conference, Vienna, Austria.
Motion, J., & Leitch, S. (2006) Public policy and identity work: Legitimation, normalization or power play? International Communication Association Conference, Dresden, Germany.
Motion, J., & Doolin, B. (2006) Discourse dialectics: the contested nature of identity work, European Group of Organization Studies (EGOS) Conference,Bergen, Norway.
Motion, J., & Te Momo, F. (2006) Socially and culturally sustainable biotechnology in Aotearoa / New Zealand: A report on the social, cultural, religious, and spiritual dimensions of biotechnology for Maori: The Waikato Management School.
Roper, J., & Motion, J. (2006) The dialogue process: Forum introduction, Management Communication Quarterly, 19(3): 341-343.