department of management research report 2009 - School of ...

SARA WALTON
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Organisations and Sustainability: Ecological & Carbon Footprints, TBL Reporting
Natural Resource Conflicts: Stakeholder Analysis
Discourse Analysis: Discourse Theory
Qualitative Research Methods: Interviewing, Case Studies, Content Analysis
Critical Management Studies
RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
Ecopreneurs in New Zealand
This research began with a seed grant from the Centre of Entrepreneurship at the School of
Business to explore ecopreneurial businesses through a case study analysis. After realising
the increasing relevance of this type of business Dr Jodyanne Kirkwood and myself gained a
University Research Grant to survey ecopreneurs throughout New Zealand. We are currently
developing the survey and database of ecopreneurs at present.
Carbon footprints & Life Cycle Analysis
As part of a project examining business responses to climate change this research uses
standards developed in the UK to examine the carbon emissions involved in the full life cycle
of a product. The aim is to see what is involved in the process of examining products in this
way, to explore responsibilities for emissions and organisational performance measurement
techniques.
Stakeholders & natural resource conflicts
Building on research conducted as part of my doctorate I continue to examine natural
resource conflicts involving organisations. Currently I am working with Dr Cheryl Rivers
looking at the conflict over the Nevis River using a method developed from previous work.
Future work planned is a investigation into the notion of a ‘social license to operate’ for the
mining industry in New Zealand.
GRANTS RECEIVED
University of Otago Research Grant: Nationwide Survey of Ecopreneurs, 2009 ($12,000).
Principal – Dr. Sara Walton, Associate Investigator Dr. Jodyanne Kirkwood
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