The Micro Foundations of Sustainability: A Social Process of Sensemaking and Knowledge Sharing

Abstract

Micro-foundations of sustainability integration have not so far, been much explored. Building on sensemaking as a social process, I expand theory on how managers integrate sustainability in organizational practices. The findings reveal that sustainability-related knowledge is perceived as controversial, that managers unravel multiple dualities during sensemaking, and that sustainability knowledge becomes salient in work relations. I propose a model of sustainable organizing showing how these three dimensions interact. The discussion section elaborates on the implications of a perspective of sustainability rooted in social processes of sensemaking.