ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES AS ENABLERS FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABILITY

ABSTRACT The transition towards the circular economy (CE) requires that organizational values be examined in more depth and understood more fully, which can encourage innovation and sustainable attitudes. The majority of the studies on this matter, however, only address the technical aspects of the transition to a CE. The aim of this paper was to identify and analyze those organizational values that are essential for sustaining a culture that incorporates concepts of circularity and sustainability. Using a multi-method approach, we identified a list of 29 circular values and proposed a definition for each one. The values identified were discussed with regard to their importance in achieving sustainability. By way of a case study we also exemplified the adoption of circular values and how the specific organization we studied is nurturing those values. This seminal study enriches discussion of the importance of soft factors for the transition to a CE. It also embraces the relevance of human resource management in organizations for boosting sustainability.