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A value mapping tool for sustainable business modelling


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Authors

Bocken, N 
Short, S 
Rana, P 

Abstract

Purpose – Although business models that deliver sustainability are increasingly popular in the literature, few tools that assist in sustainable business modelling have been identified. This paper investigates how businesses might create balanced social, environmental and economic value through integrating sustainability more fully into the core of their business. A value mapping tool is developed to help firms create value propositions better suited for sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach – In addition to a literature review, six sustainable companies were interviewed to understand their approaches to business modelling, using a case study approach. Building on the literature and practice, a tool was developed which was pilot tested through use in a workshop. The resulting improved tool and process was subsequently refined through use in 13 workshops.

Findings – A novel value mapping tool was developed to support sustainable business modelling, which introduces three forms of value (value captured, missed/destroyed or wasted, and opportunity) and four major stakeholder groups (environment, society, customer, and network actors).

Practical implications – This tool intends to support business modelling for sustainability by assisting firms in better understanding their overall value proposition, both positive and negative, for all relevant stakeholders in the value network.

Originality/value – The tool adopts a multiple stakeholder view of value, a network rather than firm centric perspective, and introduces a novel way of conceptualising value that specifically introduces value destroyed or wasted/ missed, in addition to the current value proposition and new opportunities for value creation.

Description

Keywords

35 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services, 3507 Strategy, Management and Organisational Behaviour, 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Journal Title

Corporate Governance (Bingley)

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1472-0701

Volume Title

13

Publisher

Emerald
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/I033351/1)
This paper builds on work undertaken on SustainValue, a European Commission's 7th Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013). The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the European Commission, and the contribution of the academic and industrial partners on this project in developing and testing the ideas presented herein.