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expressive than an instrumental function, because these proceedings generate the
current security of action patterns with no guarantee for success (Luhmann 1989).
Therefore, interactive processes also use this paradox: Making sustainable decisions
means firstly to retard decisions and to generate uncertainty in order to cause a
current security of action patterns. During this phase of insecurity in the context of
communication, it is secondly possible to attain the assurance of the dimension of
future uncertainty.
Conceptual Framework and Methodology in View of
Theoretical Background
Although some firms have used OIM successfully for years, it is hard to find ongoing
processes in practice, such as dialogues in which products, strategies or productrelated
environmental and social criteria are discussed (Foster & Green 2000; Hansen
& Raabe 1991). First, it is of interest how the company-related factors (see figure 2)
have an influence on the companies’ use of open innovation methods. Moreover, it is
of interest how OIM have an influence on sustainability or CR activities. In other
words: Innovation can change the world, but do OIM really lead to more
sustainability or CR? Are interactive innovations better CR innovations? Answering
these questions and identifying relevant aspects of innovation methods, the following
conceptual framework was developed (Figure
2).
Factors concerning open
innovation (methods)
• main aims and functions
• user groups
• phases in the innovation process
• level of integration and interaction
• costs
Figure 2. Analytical framework
Source: Own illustration
Company-related factors
• sustainable values & norms in
management and organisational
members’ activities
• knowledge transfer
• stakeholder demands
• competition
Contribution to Sustainable Development and CR
sustainable innovation
responsible leadership
corporate sustainability management
The fundamental assumption to be proved is if OIM enable companies to find better
sustainable or CR solutions. The goal of this empirical research is to study the use of
OIM and the factors strengthening sustainable and CR change. Based on the