A atuação do middle manager nas interlocuções entre strategizing e sustentabilidade: um ensaio teórico

Rosalia Aldraci Barbosa Lavarda; Nairon Nícolas da Silva Gomes

doi:10.5585/2023.23394

Authors

Rosalia Aldraci Barbosa Lavarda Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) / Florianópolis (SC) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1093-4486
Nairon Nícolas da Silva Gomes Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) / Florianópolis (SC) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0480-4391

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/2023.23394

Keywords:

Middle Manager, Strategizing, Sustainability, Strategy as Social Practice, Theoretical Essay

Abstract

Purpose of the study: to understand, from a theoretical essay, how the middle manager performs in the interlocutions between strategizing and sustainability.

Methodology/approach: Theoretical essay based on the approach of a narrative literature review.

Originality/relevance: It is based on the lack of studies addressing the role of middle managers in the interconnections between strategizing and sustainability, making this study relevant to the discussion and expansion of research scope in the field of strategy.

Key findings: Arguments regarding the strategic relevance of sustainability in organizations; the various ways in which middle managers act in the interconnections between strategic actions and sustainability; the construction of meaning to legitimize sustainability actions; and a theoretical representation of the role of middle managers in the interconnections between strategizing and sustainability.

Theoretical/methodological contributions: this study revealed that, in the execution of their roles (facilitator, implementer, advocate and synthesizer) and when a position oriented towards sustainability strategies is adopted, middle managers receive a new assignment, that of promoting sustainability strategies within the organization.

Social/management contributions: this study corroborates the need to promote sustainability actions in a practical way in organizations to find a state of synergy between the organization and environment, with the middle manager being an important agent in the process of creating meaning for strategies focused on sustainability.

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Author Biographies

Rosalia Aldraci Barbosa Lavarda, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) / Florianópolis (SC)

PhD in Management - Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Spain), PhD in Management - University of Valencia (Spain, 2008)/USP (2009); Master in Business Organization and Management - Universidad Del Museo Social Argentino - UMSA (Buenos Aires)/UFSM (1998), Graduated in Administration - Federal University of Santa Maria - UFSM (1990). Professor at the Department of Administration Sciences at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Undergraduate and Graduate Studies (PPGAdm); Leader of the Research Group: Strategy, Management and Sustainability and Leader of the Research Group Strategizing: Social Practices & Processes. Reviewer of national and international congresses and journals. Editor in Chief of the Journal of Management Sciences. Leader of themes in the Organizational Strategies Division of ANPAD: (Strategizing and its multiple connections)

Nairon Nícolas da Silva Gomes, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) / Florianópolis (SC)

PhD Student at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Master in Information and Communication Technologies (UFSC), Postgraduate in Public Management (IFSC), graduate in Business Administration (FIAMA), has a technical-level military specialization course in transmission systems (EsCOM)

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