ABSTRACT

We reflect on the growing need to introduce new theory to our discipline. Thus far, much of our academic endeavour has been phenomenon-driven focusing directly on specific issues to do with sustainability, climate change and/or resilience, and our human ability to combat them. We recognize the need to develop good theory that can address successfully practical business needs, but that is not so dependent on existing business management literature and its conceptual thinking. Rather, we believe, the underpinning thinking needs to stem from knowledge of the physical sciences and, in particular, knowledge and understanding of sustainability, climate change and resilience. Thus, we seek to contribute to the development of theory that builds on our knowledge of the related science and provides us with new business concepts and theories that can be taught and researched within business schools to help enhance business performance for the future in an environmentally changed world.