The natural environment has become a public issue of high priority. One of thegreat challenges to the management of firms today is achieving a balancebetween the economic, social and ecological dimensions. Managers andorganizations are learning that dealing with ecological issues seriously is part oftheir responsibility. In this paper, the inherent rationality of an ecologicallyoriented approach to management is highlighted. For this purpose, a conceptualframework for a comprehensive fitness of organizations is presented. Based onthis framework and on case studies in small businesses a simulation model hasbeen developed. The structure of this model is outlined. Then, on the basis ofsimulation experiments, several aspects of ecological management arediscussed. The focus is on tradeoffs between short- and longer term decisions,as well as the role of pre-control, and the vulnerability of one-sided strategiesare discussed.
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