Managing Relationally in the Ecology-in-Place: Multispecies Organizing in Ecological Restoration

Contemporary human-centered organization and management practices endanger the health of the planet and consequently the existences of multiple species—including humans. In the face of the on-going climate and ecological emergencies, it is vital to move from an extractive managerial approach—sustaining human lives at the expense of other beings—towards organizational modes of co-existence based on a logic of restoration and revitalization. Drawing on actor network theory, posthuman studies, environmental humanities and three situated, illustrative case examples on ecological restoration, this article contributes to the corporate sustainability literature by developing a theoretical framework on multispecies organizing. The framework includes four analytical dimensions: organizing practices as matters of care; becoming with the ecology-in-place; the role of ontological politics; and how ecological restoration practices are translated across space. We conclude by articulating the need for intra-actions between humans and nonhuman beings in what we call the ecology-in-place.