Organising in the Anthropocene: an ontological outline for ecocentric theorising. (1st February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heikkurinen, Pasi; Rinkinen, Jenny; Järvensivu, Timo; Wilén, Kristoffer; Ruuska, Toni
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 113(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 705
• Page End: 714
• Publication Date: 2016-02-01
• Subjects: Anthropocene -- Ecocentric -- Ecocentrism -- Ecosophy -- Ontology -- Organisation; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.12.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: As a response to anthropogenic ecological problems, a group of organisation scholars have acknowledged the importance of ecocentric theorising that takes materiality and non-human objects seriously. The purpose of this article is to examine the philosophical basis of ecocentric organisation studies and develop an ontological outline for ecocentric theorising in the Anthropocene. The paper identifies the central premises of ecocentric organisations from the previous literature, and complements the theory with a set of ontological qualities common to all objects. The study draws on recent advances in object-oriented and ecological philosophies to present three essential qualities of objects, namely autonomy, uniqueness, and intrinsicality . The paper discusses how these qualities are critical in reclaiming the lost credibility and practical relevance of ecocentrism in both organisational theory and the sustainability sciences in general. To organise human activities in a sustainable manner in the new geological era, a new ontology is needed that not only includes materiality and non-humans in the analysis, but also leads to an ecologically and ethically broader understanding of ecospheric beings and their relationships. Highlights: The central premises of the ecocentric organisation literature are identified. Three essential qualities of objects for ecocentric theorising are proposed. The implications for ecological practice and theory are discussed. It is concluded that a new ontology is needed in the Anthropocene.