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Published in: Sustainability Management Forum | NachhaltigkeitsManagementForum 4/2016

21-10-2016 | Schwerpunktthema

The sustainability paradox of the sharing economy

Authors: Hans Verboven, Lise Vanherck

Published in: Sustainability Nexus Forum | Issue 4/2016

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Abstract

The positive effects of new ‘sustainable’ business models, e. g. the sharing economy business model, are well-documented and widely acclaimed. However, these sustainable models also have unintended negative side-effects that are less visible and often ignored. In this article we describe these unintended side-effects as the sustainability paradox. We will discuss the negative externalities of sharing economy business models by comparing them to the characteristics of a sustainable economy model. Furthermore, we will propose a brief and simple checklist or framework for quick identification of sustainable business models. This framework can facilitate the top-down implementation of legislative measures and the bottom-up prevention of negative externalities of sharing economy initiatives.

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Metadata
Title
The sustainability paradox of the sharing economy
Authors
Hans Verboven
Lise Vanherck
Publication date
21-10-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Sustainability Nexus Forum / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 2948-1619
Electronic ISSN: 2948-1627
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00550-016-0410-y

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