ABSTRACT
Objective: The research sought to analyze managers' perceptions about the circular economy and its relevance to organizational sustainability.
Methodology: The research adopted a qualitative exploratory approach, using in-depth interviews with thirteen managers from different Brazilian industries. Data collection was conducted with recorders to ensure accuracy, and speech analysis was employed to identify patterns and meanings in managers' perceptions of the circular economy and its relationship with organizational sustainability.
Results and data analysis: The results revealed a diverse understanding of the concept, emphasizing its strategic importance to promote sustainability and resource efficiency. Managers recognize the environmental and economic benefits of the circular economy, although they have highlighted challenges in its implementation, especially related to coordination and collaboration between stakeholders.
Conclusion: It is concluded, therefore, that the circular economy is a promising strategy to strengthen relations with stakeholders and ensure the sustainable growth of organizations, but requires cultural, organizational changes and effective collaboration to be effectively implemented.
Keywords: Circular Economy, Sustainability, Environment.
RESUMO
Objetivo: A pesquisa buscou analisar as percepçôes dos gestores sobre a economia circular e sua relevancia para a sustentabilidade organizacional.
Metodologia: A pesquisa adotou uma abordagem exploratoria qualitativa, utilizando entrevistas em profundidade com treze gestores de diferentes industrias brasileiras. A coleta de dados foi realizada com gravadores para garantir precisâo, e a análise do discurso foi empregada para identificar padrôes e significados nas percepçôes dos gestores sobre a economia circular e sua relaçao com a sustentabilidade organizacional.
Resultados e análise dos dados: Os resultados revelaram uma compreensâo diversificada do conceito, enfatizando sua importancia estratégica para promover a sustentabilidade e eficiencia no uso de recursos. Os gestores reconhecem os beneficios ambientáis e económicos da economía circular, embora tenham destacado desafios na sua implementaçâo, especialmente relacionados à coordenaçao e colaboraçâo entre partes interessadas.
Conclusâo: Conclui-se, portanto, que a economia circular é uma estrategia promissora para fortalecer as relaçôes com stakeholders e garantir o crescimento sustentável das organizaçôes, mas requer mudanças culturáis, organizacionais e urna colaboraçâo eficaz para ser efetivamentc implcmentada.
Palavras-chave: Economia circular, Sustentabilidade, Meio ambiente.
RESUMEN
Objetivo: Analizar las percepciones de los directivos sobre la economía circular y su relevancia para la sostenibilidad organizacional.
Metodología: La investigación adoptó un enfoque cualitativo exploratorio, utilizando entrevistas en profundidad con trece gerentes de diferentes industrias brasileñas. La recolección de datos se realizó con registradores para asegurar la exactitud, y el análisis del discurso se empleó para identificar patrones y significados en las percepciones de los gerentes sobre la economía circular y su relación con la sostenibilidad organizacional.
Resultados y análisis de datos: Los resultados revelaron una comprensión diversa del concepto, enfatizando su importancia estratégica para promover la sostenibilidad y la eficiencia de los recursos. Los gestores reconocen los beneficios ambientales y económicos de la economía circular, aunque han destacado los desafíos en su aplicación, especialmente en relación con la coordinación y la colaboración entre las partes interesadas.
Conclusión: Se concluye, por tanto, que la economía circular es una estrategia prometedora para fortalecer las relaciones con las partes interesadas y asegurar el crecimiento sostenible de las organizaciones, pero requiere cambios culturales, organizacionales y una colaboración efectiva para ser implementada de manera efectiva.
Palabras clave: Economía circular, Sostenibilidad, Medio ambiente.
1 INTRODUCTION
Human action, i.e. the influence of human beings on the environment, has been one of the main causes of environmental impacts. From the Industrial Revolution to the present day, human activity has led to a number of significant changes in the environment, including deforestation, air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. These impacts have far-reaching consequences for natural ecosystems, affecting not only biodiversity but also the quality of life of human populations that rely on these natural resources to survive. As a result, it has become increasingly urgent to adopt practices and policies that can mitigate these negative impacts and promote sustainable development (LIMA et al., 2024; LIMA et al., 2024).
In the context of the need to address the negative impacts of human activity on the environment, the circular economy is emerging as a promising and increasingly relevant approach. The circular economy is an alternative to the traditional linear economy model, which is based on natural resource extraction, production, consumption and waste disposal. In contrast, the circular economy proposes a system in which resources are used more efficiently and sustainably, promoting reuse, recycling and recovery of materials throughout the whole life cycle of products. In this sense, the circular economy seeks to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of the production and consumption of goods and services (SILVA et al., 2021).
According to Tiossi and Simon (2021), the circular economy is a concept that is based on the idea of closing the life cycle of materials, eliminating the concept of waste and promoting the reuse and recycling of resources. Instead of following the linear model of extraction, production, consumption and disposal, the circular economy takes a more holistic and integrated approach, where materials are continuously reused, recycled and reintegrated into the economy. This involves not only implementing more efficient waste management practices, but also redesigning products and industrial processes to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.
In addition, the circular economy also encourages the adoption of service-based business models where products are rented or shared rather than purchased, promoting a more sustainable and collaborative economy. Thus, the circular economy represents a fundamental paradigm shift in the way we produce, consume and manage resources, offering a viable and holistic alternative to the conventional economic model (COSENZA; ANDRADE; ASUNCIÓN, 2020).
In light of the above, the objective of this research was to analyze the importance of the circular economy for organizational sustainability, considering the economic, social and environmental aspects. The study focused on the perceptions of thirteen environmental managers from different Brazilian industries, adopting a qualitative methodological approach. The results obtained are expected to provide theoretical and practical input to understand how implementing circular economy practices can contribute to the sustainability of organizations, promoting resource efficiency, reducing operational costs, minimizing environmental impacts and strengthening relationships with the community and stakeholders
2 METHODOLOGY
The research was conducted using an exploratory approach, which aims to investigate a little explored and/or understood phenomenon, providing preliminary information that can guide future research (LIMA; DOMINGUES JUNIOR; GOMES, 2023). In this context, the choice for an exploratory research was justified by the need to better understand the relationship between the circular economy and organizational sustainability, an emerging and complex theme that needs in-depth studies.
As regards the methodological approach, a qualitative approach was chosen. This choice is due to the fact that the qualitative approach allows a deeper and contextualized understanding of social phenomena, exploring meanings, perceptions and experiences of participants, as Godoy points out (1995). In this way, the research sought not only to collect objective data, but also to capture the complexity and subjectivity of the perceptions of environmental managers in relation to the circular economy and its relationship with organizational sustainability.
The sample was composed of thirteen managers of distinct Brazilian industries, selected for convenience due to the accessibility and availability of the participants. This approach was adopted taking into consideration the practical feasibility of the research, allowing a representative sample of environmental managers with varied experiences in different industrial sectors.
Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews. Initially, an initial contact was made with the selected environmental managers, explaining the objectives and procedures of the research. The interviews were then arranged according to the availability of the participants. During the interviews, recorders were used to ensure accuracy in the transcription and analysis of the data. In addition, respondents were informed about the research and agreed to be recorded, ensuring the ethics and consent of the participants.
Data analysis was performed using the technique of speech analysis. This approach allows to identify patterns, themes and meanings in participants' speeches, providing information about environmental managers' perceptions and interpretations of the circular economy and its importance to organizational sustainability. The analysis of the discourse allowed a deeper understanding of the participants' narratives, revealing nuances and complexities in the understanding of the subject in question.
3 DATA RESULT AND ANALYSIS
By carrying out this research, it was possible to see, initially, the perceptions of managers about the circular economy and its importance for organizational sustainability. As a result, it was found that managers' perceptions vary widely, reflecting a diverse and complex understanding of the concept of circular economy and its potential impacts on operations and organizational culture. Key insights highlighted the circular economy as a strategic opportunity to promote sustainability as well as resource efficiency, as evidenced in the reports below.
The circular economy for us represents an unmissable chance to rethink our processes and approaches. We see this as a strategic opportunity not only to improve our operational efficiency, but also to align our practices with sustainability principles. We are excited to explore how we can make the most of the benefits of the circular economy in our operations (E9).
Our understanding of the circular economy is that it goes beyond just reducing waste. For us, it is a holistic approach that considers the complete lifecycle of our products and processes. We recognize that implementing the circular economy will require significant changes in our organizational culture, but we see this as an opportunity to become more resilient and socially responsible (E7).
In addition to environmental issues, the circular economy favors all processes involved in industry. We start to use resources more efficiently thinking about minimizing environmental damage, which therefore also helps in minimizing the effectiveness of processes (E4).
The survey offered a broad view of managers' perceptions of the circular economy and its relevance to organizational sustainability. The results revealed considerable variation in these perceptions, indicating a diverse and elaborate understanding of the concept and its implications. While some managers have emphasized the circular economy as a strategic opportunity to drive sustainability and resource efficiency, others have highlighted its holistic approach, which encompasses the entire lifecycle of products and processes.
This diversity of perceptions reflects a broader understanding of the circular economy, going beyond mere waste reduction and demonstrating a commitment to socio-environmental responsibility. This broader approach to the circular economy is especially relevant as it recognizes the interconnection between natural and economic systems, seeking solutions that promote the balance between economic development and environmental preservation.
In addition, managers also emphasized the potential economic benefits of the circular economy, highlighting its ability to optimize industrial processes and thus reduce operating costs. By adopting circular practices, organizations can minimize resource waste, increase energy efficiency and improve material management, which in turn can result in significant long-term savings.
It is important to stress that the successful implementation of the circular economy requires not only operational changes, but also significant cultural and organizational changes. This involves not only the adoption of new technologies and processes, but also a change in the mindset and practices of employees at all levels of the organization. In this way, the circular economy emerges as a strategic and integrated approach, capable of promoting not only environmental sustainability, but also the economic and social sustainability of organizations.
It is also worth noting that other managers have highlighted the potential of the circular economy to strengthen the relationships with stakeholders and contribute to the image and organizational reputation.
The circular economy represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen our relations with stakeholders. By adopting sustainable practices and demonstrating our commitment to environmental preservation, we can build a positive corporate image and strengthen our reputation as a socially responsible company (E2).
By adopting practices that prioritize sustainability and socio-environmental responsibility, we can build a differentiated brand image and attract increasingly conscious consumers. We believe that by integrating the circular economy into our business strategy, we will not only be contributing to a more sustainable future, but also to the long-term growth and success of our company (E5).
The results point to a tendency among managers to recognize the potential of the circular economy as a promising strategy to strengthen relationships with stakeholders. The emphasis on sustainable and responsible practices shows a growing awareness of environmental challenges and the importance of acting proactively to mitigate them. It is interesting to note that the circular economy is not only seen as an environmental necessity, but also as an opportunity for differentiation and brand building.
Managers recognize that by demonstrating a solid commitment to environmental preservation, the company can not only strengthen its reputation as a socially responsible entity, but also attract increasingly conscious and demanding consumers. Moreover, the integration of the circular economy into the business strategy is perceived as an investment in the long-term growth and success of the company. This vision goes beyond the immediate impact on stakeholder relations, highlighting the importance of a sustainable approach to ensure the viability and competitiveness of the business in the future.
The convergence of interests between sustainability and business performance is evident in these statements. Managers recognize that by adopting practices that prioritize the circular economy, they are not only fulfilling ethical obligations, but also seizing opportunities for innovation, growth and strengthening market position. The specific mention of the relationship with stakeholders indicates an understanding of the importance of involving various actors, such as customers, suppliers, community and investors, in the process of transition to a circular economy. This holistic approach reflects a strategic vision that considers not only the environmental but also the social and economic aspects of sustainability.
In this sense, the results indicate that the circular economy is perceived as much more than a simple environmental management strategy. It is seen as a strategic opportunity to strengthen relationships with stakeholders, build a positive corporate image, attract conscious consumers, and ensure long-term growth and success for the company. This integrated and comprehensive vision demonstrates a deep understanding of the interconnections between sustainability and business performance, and suggests a genuine commitment to embracing the transformation needed for a more sustainable future.
On the other hand, managers also mentioned the challenges in implementing the circular economy. Among these challenges, issues such as the need for significant investments in appropriate technologies and infrastructure to enable the transition to circular business models are highlighted. Adapting traditional production processes and supply chains to align with circular economy principles may require considerable resources and structural changes, which can pose a significant obstacle for some businesses.
It's a transition that requires significant resources, and we need to be realistic about it. Adapting our traditional production processes and supply chains to align them with circular economy principles is an undertaking that cannot be underestimated. We are talking about important structural changes and, consequently, a considerable obstacle for some areas of the company (E8).
I believe that it is this structural change that the circular economy requires. It's a change that impacts the entire company. Because of this, it is a great challenge (E 10).
The analysis of management feedback reveals a perception of the challenges faced in implementing the circular economy. The main focus is on the need for significant investments in appropriate technologies and infrastructure to enable the transition to circular business models. This issue is perceived as a substantial barrier, as the adaptation of traditional production processes and supply chains demands considerable resources and implies profound structural changes.
The recognition that such a transition requires significant resources demonstrates a realistic attitude on the part of managers. Managers are aware that the circular economy is not a trivial change, but an undertaking that requires substantial investment and a serious commitment on the part of the organization. The magnitude of the structural changes needed is highlighted as a considerable obstacle, highlighting the complexity and comprehensive impact that the transition to the circular economy can have in different areas of the enterprise.
In addition, the overarching nature of the structural change required by the circular economy was highlighted. It was found that this transformation is not limited to a specific department or area of the company, but rather impacts the whole organization. This suggests a deep understanding that the circular economy is not just a matter of implementing some sustainable practices, but a fundamental change in the way the company operates and relates to its resources and processes.
Managers' reports reflect a realistic and conscious understanding of the challenges faced in implementing the circular economy. They recognize the need for significant investments, profound structural changes and a comprehensive approach to address these challenges and promote a true transformation towards a more sustainable and circular business model.
Moreover, the need for coordination and collaboration between different stakeholders along the value chain has also been highlighted as a challenge, as it is not always easy to align interests and incentives to promote circularity.
Collaboration between stakeholders is essential to promote circularity. But, in practice, aligning interests is not always simple, requires effort and constant communication (E2).
The circular economy involves integration between all sectors and employees. This, however, becomes a challenge, as each stakeholder can have different priorities and objectives. In addition, the need for cultural and organizational change can generate internal resistance, making effective coordination between the various actors involved (Ell) even more difficult.
The analysis of the results highlighted the importance of coordination and collaboration between different stakeholders along the value chain to promote the circular economy. This approach highlights the complexity inherent in implementing circular practices, as it involves a variety of actors, from suppliers to customers. The need to align interests and incentives among these stakeholders is identified as a significant challenge, as it is not always easy to find common ground to promote circularity. Stakeholder collaboration is identified as a key building block to drive the adoption of circular practices.
However, the reports highlight that in practice, such collaboration can be difficult to achieve. This is due to the different priorities and objectives of each stakeholder, which may not be aligned with circular economy principles. Thus, the process of aligning interests and incentives requires constant effort and communication to overcome divergences and pursue common goals.
In addition, integration between all sectors and employees within the company is mentioned as an essential feature of the circular economy. However, this integration also becomes a challenge due to the variety of perspectives and priorities within the organization. The need for cultural and organizational changes to fully embrace the principles of the circular economy may meet with internal resistance, which further hinders effective coordination between the various actors involved.
Challenges related to coordination and collaboration between stakeholders along the value chain and within the organization itself highlight the complexity and obstacles faced in the transition to the circular economy. These challenges require continued commitment and concerted efforts to overcome them and promote a true transformation towards more sustainable and circular business models.
4 FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
The survey provided an understanding of managers' perceptions about the circular economy and its importance to organizational sustainability. The results revealed perspectives among managers, reflecting a diverse and complex understanding of the concept of circular economy and its potential impacts on operations and organizational culture.
Managers' perceptions highlighted the circular economy as a strategic opportunity to promote sustainability and resource efficiency. In addition, they emphasized their holistic approach, which considers the complete lifecycle of products and processes. This broader view demonstrates a commitment to socio-environmental responsibility and a deep understanding of the interconnections between natural and economic systems.
It should be noted that managers recognize not only the environmental benefits of the circular economy, but also its potential positive economic impacts. Successful implementation of the circular economy can lead to an optimization of industrial processes and reduction of operating costs, leading to significant long-term savings for organizations.
However, managers also highlighted the challenges faced in implementing the circular economy, especially with regard to coordination and collaboration between different stakeholders along the value chain and within the organization itself. The need to align interests and incentives, as well as internal resistance to cultural and organizational change, were identified as significant obstacles.
In summary, the results highlight the importance of the circular economy as a promising strategy to strengthen stakeholder relations, promote a positive corporate image, and ensure long-term growth and success of organizations. However, the successful implementation of the circular economy requires not only operational changes, but also significant cultural and organizational changes, as well as effective collaboration between all actors involved. This integrated and comprehensive approach is essential to address the challenges and seize the opportunities offered by the circular economy.
6 Universidade Estadual do Tocantins (UNITINS), Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil. Email: [email protected] Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8936-987X
7 Universidade Federal do Para (UFPA), Belém, Para, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected] Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1442-6260
8 Instituto Federal de Educaçâo, Ciencia e Tecnología do Para (IFPA). Vila Permanente, Tucurui, Para, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected] Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1741-0212
9 Universidade Federal do Maranhao (UFMA), Vila Bacanga, Sao Luís, Maranhao, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected] Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0788-012X
10 Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Palmeira das Missöes, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected] Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5088-0724
11 Christian Business School, CBS, Orlando, Florida, Estados Unidos. E-mail: [email protected] Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2097-0106
12 Universidade Potiguar (UNP), Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract
Objetivo: A pesquisa buscou analisar as percepçôes dos gestores sobre a economia circular e sua relevancia para a sustentabilidade organizaciona!. Metodologia: A pesquisa adotou uma abordagem exploratoria qualitativa, utilizando entrevistas em profundidade com treze gestores de diferentes industrias brasileiras. A coleta de dados foi realizada com gravadores para garantir precisâo, e a análise do discurso foi empregada para identificar padrôes e significados nas percepçôes dos gestores sobre a economia circular e sua relaçao com a sustentabilidade organizaciona!. Resultados e análise dos dados: Os resultados revelaram uma compreensâo diversificada do conceito, enfatizando sua importancia estratégica para promover a sustentabilidade e eficiencia no uso de recursos. Os gestores reconhecem os beneficios ambientáis e económicos da economía circular, embora tenham destacado desafios na sua implementaçâo, especialmente relacionados à coordenaçao e colaboraçâo entre partes interessadas. Conclusâo: Conclui-se, portanto, que a economia circular é uma estrategia promissora para fortalecer as relaçôes com stakeholders e garantir o crescimento sustentável das organizaçôes, mas requer mudanças culturáis, organizacionais e urna colaboraçâo eficaz para ser efetivamentc implcmentada.