Contracts to frame sustainable futures: The rational and symbolic sides of contract functions and dysfunctions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine what role the contract can, or should, have to frame sustainable futures.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical discussion, implementation of action‐based scenarios method.

Findings

In a sustainable perspective, function and dysfunction of contracts relate to irreversibility to be designed as transfer, stalemate, oscillation and phase lag.

Research limitations/implications

Contracts appear as the product of a rational decision, settling the interactions between contracting parties, as well as being a symbolic act.

Originality/value

The paper discusses contracts in a long range perspective through the implementation of action‐based scenarios method.

Citation

Marchais‐Roubelat, A. (2012), "Contracts to frame sustainable futures: The rational and symbolic sides of contract functions and dysfunctions", Society and Business Review, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 50-64. https://doi.org/10.1108/17465681211195788