Sustainability in complex environments: making sense of the Katrina lawsuits

Abstract

Purpose

The meaning of sustainability continues to be debated by scholars and professionals alike. But how do individuals, who are expected to contribute to implementing sustainability actions, perceive this important concept? The purpose of this paper is to explore how individuals relate to the multidimensionality of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a qualitative design to learn how individuals understand and prioritise the various dimensions of sustainability. Respondents were asked to react in essay form to a narrative that weaves social, environmental, economic and legal issues and offer a recommended course of action.

Findings

The findings are mixed, showing that sustainability is yet to mature as a concept in the minds of the general public. Encouragingly, the paper finds evidence that most respondents are aware of the primary dimensions of sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the convenience sample used, which may offer a skewed distribution.

Practical implications

While defining sustainability conceptually continues to preoccupy scholars and policy makers, educating the general public on these advancements should also be prioritised, given the high reliance on individuals to implement the many sustainability initiatives and innovations in existence.

Originality/value

The study uses an innovative methodology to learn how individuals perceive a very complex topic.

Citation

Ratiu, C. and B. Anderson, B. (2014), "Sustainability in complex environments: making sense of the Katrina lawsuits", World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 162-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-07-2014-0014