Title: Systematising the analysis of inter-organisational relations in search of sustainability

Authors: Fábio Lotti Oliva; Hélio Janny Teixeira; Celso Cláudio De Hildebrand e Grisi

Addresses: Universidade de Sao Paulo, Avenida Professor Luciano Gualberto, 908, Office C-27, 05508-010 Sao Paulo – SP, Brazil ' Universidade de Sao Paulo, Avenida Professor Luciano Gualberto, 908, Office G-166, 05508-010 Sao Paulo – SP, Brazil ' Universidade de Sao Paulo, Avenida Professor Luciano Gualberto, 908, Office G157, 05508-010 Sao Paulo – SP, Brazil

Abstract: The present study approaches the relationships between organisations involved in the search for sustainable development in the High Tietê Region. We sought to devise a theoretical framework adjusted to the conflicting dynamic of economic, social and environmental interests. We achieved a theoretical foundation by combining the following conceptual approaches: open systems theory, new institutional economics, and networked organisations. Our chosen study methodology was action research, conducted in the 11 municipalities of the High Tietê Region, with in-depth research conducted in the towns of Biritiba Mirim, Mogi das Cruzes, and Suzano. Our main result was the development of a systematisation of the process of analysing relations of influence between public and private agents in the search for sustainable development. We hope that the results of applying the proposed method will subsidise economic, social and environmental planning in towns in the High Tietê Region.

Keywords: sustainable development; sustainability; economic interests; social interests; environmental interests; conflicts; inter-organisational relations; triple bottom line; TBL; public agents; private agents; open systems theory; networked organisations; new institutional economics; action research; Brazil.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2016.081054

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2016 Vol.15 No.4, pp.360 - 376

Accepted: 15 Dec 2015
Published online: 19 Dec 2016 *

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