The seductive logic of subtractive sustainability: reflections on sustainable socio-economic development

Abstract

Aim: To discuss the drivers and impediments sustainability of social systems.Design / Research methods: Analysis of and reflections on the discussions on campus antifragility during the 4th  international conference on efficiency, sustainable business and sustainable economic development, hosted by WSB Wroclaw on May 13th 2016.Conclusions / findings: (1) Lack of sustainability results from organisational culture or dominant logic rather than from primary activities; (2) Disequilibrium in organisational culture reflects a lack of congruence between formal and informal institutions; (3) Conflict between informal and formal institutions is a driver of change, unless the formal institutions are enforced as a core cultural value; (4) Sustainability and sustainable development in a turbulent environment should aim for organisational and cultural diversity.Originality / value of the article: This discussion note shows that a good metaphor can generate new insights. Viewed in terms of organisational viability and antifragility it is not what is done, but how it is done that determines the sustainability of an organisation. This implies that the ends never justify the means. The discussion note shows that sustainable development requires a critical reflection on the formal institutions and governance systems that determine these means. Likewise sustainable marketing requires a critical reflection on market institutions.