Eco-sensitive management : transitions towards, and the style of, eco-sensitive management of business organisations

In a multi-disciplinary discussion that includes major contribution from sociology, economics, environmental sciences, ecophilosophy and management theory, I outline transitions towards, and the style and practice of eco-sensitive management. Eco-sensitivity means the presence of eco-centric values together with the ability to put these into practice. The argument proceeds in two sections. In the first the deep roots of industrial exploitation of the natural world are established. In chapter one industrial capitalism is discussed while chapter two outlines the moves towards what I have called 're-organised capitalism'. As is pointed out in chapter three, whilst both systems involve exploitation of the natural world, there are indications within re-organised capitalism of an opportunity to 'turn around' the juggernaut of exploitative expansionary capitalism and adopt more eco-sensitive approaches. Business organisations, now entering a period of yet greater influence on world affairs, are a key to this, but as I point out in chapter four, in striving to become more eco-sensitive they must deal with the complex structures of the natural world, a point made by an examination of biodiversity. In the second section the shape of eco-sensitive management is outlined. In chapter five important transitions in the 'world view' of organisations are discussed; they must become less anthropocentric, adopt holistic thinking practices and use the notion of 'risk for nature' instead of financial risk. They will also use 'new science' and ecological economics, sets of ideas developed and discussed in chapter six. Incrementalist and learning based models of strategic planning and an eco-centred scenario based planning style that is used in conjunction with systems thinking are discussed in chapters seven and eight. An organisation structure suitable for eco-organisations and an eco-leadership style are elaborated on in chapter nine.