Module 1: Challenges of Sustainability
What are societal problems and challenges in terms of sustainability? In this module we explore what roles organizations play in addressing these grand challenges and wicked problems?
Led by Dominika Wruk (Mannheim University) &
Gorgi Krlev (ESCP Business School)
Challanges of Sustainability
Contents
What are so-called wicked problems or grand challenges? How do the concepts apply to sustainability? How are they related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? This module is dedicated to understanding the complexity involved in addressing sustainability challenges and to identifying potential leverage points that organizations can use to work towards new solutions.
Course Materials
Readings
John Alford, Brian W Head, Wicked and less wicked problems: a typology and a contingency framework, Policy and Society, Volume 36, Issue 3, September 2017, Pages 397–413
Ferraro F, Etzion D, Gehman J. Tackling Grand Challenges Pragmatically: Robust Action Revisited. Organization Studies. 2015;36(3):363-390
B Guy Peters, What is so wicked about wicked problems? A conceptual analysis and a research program, Policy and Society, Volume 36, Issue 3, September 2017, Pages 385–396
Rittel, H. W. J. & Webber, M. M. (1973). Dilemmas in a general theory of planning. Policy Sciences, 4(2), 155–169
Lecture Recording
Slides
You can download the slides for the first session here.
