Paradigm shift in the management of environmental and social challenges

Abstract

Objective: Despite the various approaches that have been adopted to control the negative consequences of environmental and social challenges, these consequences have persisted. Studies that have critiqued these challenges and the proffered solutions with the intent of offering a more encompassing and result oriented solutions are rare in the literature. Thus, based on the unprecedented dimensions the challenges have assumed, this study seeks to propose a holistic and more encompassing approach for managing the challenges. Research Design & Methods: The study adopts a research methodology that is based on a critical review and analysis of 25 related papers. The keywords employed to select the papers that were published between 1980 and 2020 are environmental challenges, social challenges and strategic development goals. Findings: The approaches adopted so far to manage environmental and social challenges have not yielded the desired results. This is because: all the stakeholders are not involved in the formulation and implementation of the approaches; the approaches are formulated and implemented as though environmental and social challenges are not interrelated; the approaches vary among the different institutions, countries and regions; in some areas, the level of implementation is partial, while in others it is full. Contribution & Value Added: Environmental and social challenges are interrelated. As such the Environmental and Social Responsibility Network (ESRN) is proposed as a more encompassing approach since it will bring together all those who are directly and indirectly affected by the challenges.