The problem is the solution: Can permaculture management regenerate social economy enterprises?
Abstract
We consider the degeneration of social economy enterprises
(SEEs) and develop a thesis that SEE regeneration
may be inspired by living systems. Within the paradigm
of living organizations,we propose an approach inspired
by permaculture. This study’s purpose is to understand
how SEEs might apply permaculture principles for their
regeneration. We identify the main degeneration issues
in SEEs. We then present the permaculture approach
through its theoretical background, application to living
organizations, and core design principles. Finally,we
show how permaculture relates to management models
appropriate for alternative organizations, and we underline
specific links with degeneration issues in SEEs.
We make a theoretical contribution by binding two distinct
conversations: permaculture management and SEE
degeneration. Thiswork also provides an original framework
for future empirical research.