Identifying stakeholders’ opinions on sustainability implementation in floriculture with Q methodology

This investigation aims at gaining a deeper understanding of stakeholders’ perceptions of tensions arising through the implementation of sustainability in floricultural enterprises.
Revealing the diversity of opinions in the context of the wider supply chain contributes to a holistic description of the issues and provides insights for policy makers.
As a first step of this explorative study, 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews with a heterogenous set of stakeholders were conducted to assess the diversity of conflicts associated with the implementation of measures thought to enhance sustainability.
As a second step, interviews were open-coded leading to a final sample of statements.
This so-called Q sample consists of 41 (n=41) statements that reflect on the diversity of conflicts as perceived by stakeholders in floriculture.
The range of statements covers a wide range of tensions and reveals the multi-dimensionality of issues: stakeholders care about organizational and performance concerns, as well as learning processes, and aspects of identity and belonging.
Based on these findings, it can be argued that “one-size-fits-all” sustainability implementation processes in floriculture that are likely to overextend producers.
Instead, the diversity of stakeholders’ viewpoints on corporate sustainability must guide policy development.
Addressing abstract and often emotional reservations regarding sustainability schemes and strategies can promote more sustainable production patterns.

IV International Symposium on Horticulture in Europe – SHE2021

D.M. Derksen, D. Mithöfer

Q methodology, Q sample construction, corporate sustainability, floriculture

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1327.103