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Title Organic pioneers and the sustainability transformation of the German food market: a politically structuring actor perspective
ID_Doc 75100
Authors Stöhr, J; Herzig, C
Title Organic pioneers and the sustainability transformation of the German food market: a politically structuring actor perspective
Year 2022
Published British Food Journal, 124, 7
DOI 10.1108/BFJ-08-2021-0953
Abstract Purpose This paper examines the socio-ecological co-evolution and transformation of organic pioneers and the organic food market from a politically structuring actor perspective. It aims to identify strategies and activities used to contribute to the change of structures in the organic market and how the companies, in turn, reacted to the structural influence of the changing environment to position their company successfully in the market. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on interviews with four managing directors who were responsible over several decades for the strategic corporate management of the pioneer companies they founded as (or converted to) organic. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings Strategic challenges regarding building up, maintaining and using resources, shaping actor constellations, and professionalising management are explained. The analysis demonstrates that also small pioneers have the possibilities and scope to influence and change markets and structures. Originality/value The results are significant for developing sustainable transformation strategies for markets, considering the interaction of the micro and meso-levels over time and the role of small businesses that might be struggling with growth and loss of values. The study answers recent calls in the literature to empirically investigate sustainability transformations from a practice perspective and gain insights into the roles of corporate actors.
Author Keywords Multi-level perspective; Sustainability transformation; Entrepreneurship for sustainable development; Organic food sector; Politically structuring actor
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000781740100001
WoS Category Agricultural Economics & Policy; Food Science & Technology
Research Area Agriculture; Food Science & Technology
PDF https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/BFJ-08-2021-0953/full/pdf?title=organic-pioneers-and-the-sustainability-transformation-of-the-german-food-market-a-politically-structuring-actor-perspective
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