Sustainability-driven and high-growth SMEs: A paradox approach

Las PYME de sostenibilidad impulsada y el alto crecimiento: Un enfoque por las paradojas

Céline Bérard (celine.berard@univ-lyon2.fr), Christelle Bruyere (christelle.bruyere@univ-st-etienne.fr) and Séverine Saleilles (s.saleilles@univ-lyon2.fr)
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Céline Bérard: COACTIS - COnception de l'ACTIon en Situation - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - UJM - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Étienne
Christelle Bruyere: COACTIS - COnception de l'ACTIon en Situation - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - UJM - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Étienne
Séverine Saleilles: LSAF - Laboratoire de Sciences Actuarielle et Financière - UCBL - Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 - Université de Lyon

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Abstract: This paper aims to explore the paradoxical tensions that are present in sustainability-driven and high-growth SMEs, and the practices implemented to deal with such tensions. This research is based on a single-case study within a French SME, a pioneer in the organic sector. The study findings reveal four major paradoxical tensions that progressively deepen in the course of high-growth periods: normative and utilitarian identities, organic and external growth, exploration and exploitation, disorganization and structuring. They also suggest a set of strategic keys, allowing to manage paradoxical situations through the perspectives of dialogue and differentiation.

Keywords: Growth - Sustainable development - Paradox - SME - Case study; Croissance - Développement durable - Paradoxe - PME - Étude de cas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-01354704v1
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Published in Revue Internationale PME, 2015, 28 (3-4), pp.195-223

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-01354704

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