Designing GenAI-Enabled Tension-Aware Systems For Sustainability Strategizing

Niclas Brune, Philipp Walter and Miriam Gräf

Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) from Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL)

Abstract: This paper develops design knowledge for Tension-Aware Sustainability Strategizing Systems, information systems supporting the implementation of sustainability strategies. Building on paradox theory, we conceptualize implementation as a process shaped by persistent tensions requiring managerial sensemaking and balancing. Using a design science research approach with literature analysis and expert interviews, we derived five higher-level design requirements and twelve design principles and evaluated them through focus group discussions and a prototype. They demonstrate how such systems, enabled through generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), can augment strategizing through adaptive explanations, scenario exploration, and reflection. The study advances research on digital sustainability, GenAI in strategizing, and paradox theory by providing actionable, designoriented knowledge on how technology can support organizations in navigating sustainability-related tensions and narrowing the sustainability strategy implementation gap.

Date: 2026-06
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Published in European Conference on Information Systems Proceedings . 8 (2026-06) : pp. 1-18

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:dar:wpaper:160162

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