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Associate Professor Sara Walton

BA MCom DipTour PGCertTertT PhD(Otago)

Associate Professor
Room: OBS 707
Tel: +64 3 479 5108
Email: sara.walton@otago.ac.nz

Associate Professor Sara Walton teaches and researches in the area of sustainability and business often with a future focus. She is the _MG_1625acropdirector of the Master of Sustainable Business and chairs the Postgraduate Committee and postgraduate processes in the department.

Sara has contributed towards knowledge in environmental and social entrepreneurship, innovation for environmental sustainability, sustainable transitions, environmental conflicts and understanding work in changing futures. She is part of the Otago Futures Research team that systemically explores narratives of the future of work, producing reports on the future of work in Dunedin (2013), for the ICT industry in Dunedin (2018) and New Zealand High Value Manufacturing (2019).

Sara is currently coordinator of the Otago Climate Change Network, on the leadership team of the Otago Global Health Institute, sits on the board of the Malcam Trust (a social enterprise that works with vulnerable youth in Dunedin), and is Treasurer of the Australia New Zealand Academy of Management. She is involved in inter-disciplinary projects including Energy Cultures and Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge (NSC), led a team of researchers on an Australian Aid funded project to Vanuatu and worked with Oxfam and Women in Business in Samoa. Currently she is leading a project funded by OceanaGold to explore land use and ‘common grounds’ surrounding the Macraes Gold Mine.

Read about Sara's ecopreneur research in He Kitenga.

Read about Sara's pilot study examining the energy habits of SMEs in Dunedin in 'Energy saving for SMEs' on page 33 of the Otago Magazine 33. (PDF, 2.6MB)

Read about the research Sara and a group of others from the department about the future of work in 'Dateline Dunedin 2063' page 34 of the Otago Magazine 36. (PDF, 1.9MB)

View one of Sara's recent presentations on the Garrison Institute website.

Watch Sara discuss the research being done by a group of researchers from the department on the future of work on Dunedin Television on January 28.

Read the Future of Work Research Centre report (PDF, 2.4MB), Future of Work: Dunedin, and visit the blog that contains the latest news, reports and presentations from this research team in the department.

Teaching responsibilities

Sara’s teaching responsibilities include:

Research interests

  • Examining ecopreneurial businesses in New Zealand
  • Social enterprise and for-benefit organisations
  • Business responses to climate change
  • Understanding natural resource based conflicts and analysing triple bottom line (TBL) company reports
  • Constructions of sustainability

Current supervisions

Sara is currently supervising the following students:

PhD

Sally Blackwell - Middle-out change in the New Zealand housing performance sector. (Supervisors: Janet Stephenson, CSAFE; Sara Walton; Rebecca Ford, VUW)

Nana Bortsie-Aryee - Water Footprinting: Theory to Reality – Building competitive advantage around water. (Supervisors: Sara Walton, Conor O'Kane, Peter Fennessy) - under examination

Cle-Anne Gabriel (2015). Renewable energy start-up businesses: Typology and critical success factors in transitioning countries. (Supervisors: Beth Rose, Sara Walton, Jodyanne Kirkwood)

David McKay (2014). Identifying and describing how environmental education is conceptualised and practiced among New Zealand Māori. (Supervisors: Hugh Campbell, Sara Walton, Jim Williams)

Babak Zahraie (2017). Green Entrepreneurs: Change Agents towards Sustainability. (Supervisors: André Everett, Sara Walton, Jodyanne Kirkwood)

MCom

Angela Howell - What will make business operations in NZ SMEs more energy efficient?

Letisha Nicholas (in conjunction with the Centre for Sustainability)

Completed

Abbe Hyde

Other responsibilities

Sara’s other responsibilities include:

  • Divisional Representative on the University Environmental Sustainability Advisory Group

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Publications

Diprose, G., Lee, L., Blumhardt, H., Walton, S., & Greenaway, A. (2022). Reducing single use packaging and moving up the waste hierarchy. Kōtuitui. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/1177083X.2022.2154230

Anand, S., Anseel, F., Besic, A., Biron, M., Hu, D., Hyde, S., Ott, D. L., O'Kane, P., … Ruwhiu, D., … Walton, S., … Dhaenens, A. (2022, August). Hybrid work arrangements [Caucus]. Panel discussion at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (AoM), [Hybrid].

Zhang, J. A., Chen, S., Walton, S., & Carr, S. (2022). Green brand ambidexterity and consumer satisfaction: The symmetric and asymmetric approach. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 39(5), 488-504. doi: 10.1108/JCM-02-2021-4483

Warnock, C., Higham, J., Walton, S., Carter, L., & Kingston, D. (2021). Enhancing learning in environmental law through assessment design. In A. Kennedy, A. du Plessis, R. Fowler, E. Hamman & C. Warnock (Eds.), Teaching and learning in environmental law: Pedagogy, methodology and best practice. (pp. 113-128). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar. doi: 10.4337/9781789908534.00014

O'Kane, C., Cunningham, J. A., Menter, M., & Walton, S. (2021). The brokering role of technology transfer offices within entrepreneurial ecosystems: An investigation of macro-meso-micro factors. Journal of Technology Transfer, 46, 1814-1844. doi: 10.1007/s10961-020-09829-y

Warnock, C., Higham, J., Walton, S., Carter, L., & Kingston, D. (2021). Enhancing learning in environmental law through assessment design. In A. Kennedy, A. du Plessis, R. Fowler, E. Hamman & C. Warnock (Eds.), Teaching and learning in environmental law: Pedagogy, methodology and best practice. (pp. 113-128). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar. doi: 10.4337/9781789908534.00014

Chapter in Book - Research

Walton, S. (2007). Natural History New Zealand: Being located in a wildlife capital. In K. Inkson, V. Browning & J. Kirkwood (Eds.), Working on the Edge: A portrait of business in Dunedin. (pp. 198-207). Dunedin, New Zealand: Otago University Press.

Chapter in Book - Research

Walton, S. (2002). Career stories: the changing world of work. In Human Resource Management in Action. Department of Management: Dunedin.

Chapter in Book - Research

Walton, S. (2001). Career stories: The changing world of work. In G. R. Elkin (Ed.), Human Resource Management in Action. Contemporary New Zealand Cases - Vol 2. (pp. 87-91). Palmerston North: Dunmore Press Limited.

Chapter in Book - Research

Diprose, G., Lee, L., Blumhardt, H., Walton, S., & Greenaway, A. (2022). Reducing single use packaging and moving up the waste hierarchy. Kōtuitui. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/1177083X.2022.2154230

Journal - Research Article

Zhang, J. A., Chen, S., Walton, S., & Carr, S. (2022). Green brand ambidexterity and consumer satisfaction: The symmetric and asymmetric approach. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 39(5), 488-504. doi: 10.1108/JCM-02-2021-4483

Journal - Research Article

Dew, J. J. W., Jack, M. W., Stephenson, J., & Walton, S. (2021). Reducing electricity demand peaks on large-scale dairy farms. Sustainable Production & Consumption, 25, 248-258. doi: 10.1016/j.spc.2020.08.014

Journal - Research Article

O'Kane, C., Cunningham, J. A., Menter, M., & Walton, S. (2021). The brokering role of technology transfer offices within entrepreneurial ecosystems: An investigation of macro-meso-micro factors. Journal of Technology Transfer, 46, 1814-1844. doi: 10.1007/s10961-020-09829-y

Journal - Research Article

Walton, S., & Ford, R. (2020). Easy or arduous? Practices, perceptions and networks driving lighting transitions from kerosene to solar in Vanuatu. Energy Research & Social Science, 65, 101449. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2020.101449

Journal - Research Article

Walton, S., Zhang, A., & O'Kane, C. (2020). Energy eco-innovations for sustainable development: Exploring organizational strategic capabilities through an energy cultures framework. Business Strategy & the Environment, 29, 812-826. doi: 10.1002/bse.2399

Journal - Research Article

Walton, S., O'Kane, P., & Ruwhiu, D. (2019). Developing a theory of plausibility in scenario building: Designing plausible scenarios. Futures, 111, 42-56. doi: 10.1016/j.futures.2019.03.002

Journal - Research Article

Bortsie-Aryee, N. A., Gabriel, C.-A., Fennessy, P., O'Kane, C., & Walton, S. (2018). Resource synergies for on-farm water management: A study of New Zealand agribusinesses. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 25(4), 398-419. doi: 10.1080/14486563.2018.1429956

Journal - Research Article

Ford, R., Walton, S., Stephenson, J., Rees, D., Scott, M., King, G., Williams, J., & Wooliscroft, B. (2017). Emerging energy transitions: PV uptake beyond subsidies. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 117, 138-150. doi: 10.1016/j.techfore.2016.12.007

Journal - Research Article

Kirkwood, J., Dwyer, K., & Walton, S. (2017). An ecopreneur’s growing resilience after a series of earthquakes. Journal of Enterprising Communities, 11(1), 129-148. doi: 10.1108/JEC-12-2014-0028

Journal - Research Article

Zhang, J. A., & Walton, S. (2017). Eco-innovation and business performance: The moderating effects of environmental orientation and resource commitment in green-oriented SMEs. R & D Management, 47(5), E26-E39. doi: 10.1111/radm.12241

Journal - Research Article

Gabriel, C.-A., Kirkwood, J., Walton, S., & Rose, E. L. (2016). How do developing country constraints affect renewable energy entrepreneurs? Energy for Sustainable Development, 35, 52-66. doi: 10.1016/j.esd.2016.09.006

Journal - Research Article

Zahraie, B., Everett, A. M., Walton, S., & Kirkwood, J. (2016). Environmental entrepreneurs facilitating change toward sustainability: A case study of the wine industry in New Zealand. Small Enterprise Research, 23(1), 39-57. doi: 10.1080/13215906.2016.1188717

Journal - Research Article

Stephenson, J., Barton, B., Carrington, G., Doering, A., Ford, R., Hopkins, D., Lawson, R., McCarthy, A., … Scott, M., Thorsnes, P., Walton, S., Williams, J., & Wooliscroft, B. (2015). The energy cultures framework: Exploring the role of norms, practices and material culture in shaping energy behaviour in New Zealand. Energy Research & Social Science, 7, 117-123. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2015.03.005

Journal - Research Article

Gray, B. J., Duncan, S., Kirkwood, J., & Walton, S. (2014). Encouraging sustainable entrepreneurship in climate-threatened communities: A Samoan case study. Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, 26(5-6), 401-430. doi: 10.1080/08985626.2014.922622

Journal - Research Article

Kirkwood, J., & Walton, S. (2014). How green is green? Ecopreneurs balancing environmental concerns and business goals. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 21(1), 37-51. doi: 10.1080/14486563.2014.880384

Journal - Research Article

Walton, S., & Boon, B. (2014). Engaging with a Laclau & Mouffe informed discourse analysis: A proposed framework. Qualitative Research in Organizations & Management, 9(4), 351-370. doi: 10.1108/QROM-10-2012-1106

Journal - Research Article

Walton, S., & Kirkwood, J. (2013). Tempered radicals! Ecopreneurs as change agents for sustainability: An exploratory study. International Journal of Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation, 2(5), 461-475. doi: 10.1504/IJSEI.2013.059321

Journal - Research Article

Walton, S., & Rivers, C. (2011). A missed opportunity: Understanding community stakeholders' perspectives. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 18(3), 155-169. doi: 10.1080/14486563.2011.591521

Journal - Research Article

Kirkwood, J., & Walton, S. (2010). How ecopreneurs' green values affect their international engagement in supply chain management. Journal of International Entrepreneurship, 8, 200-217. doi: 10.1007/s10843-010-0056-8

Journal - Research Article

Kirkwood, J., & Walton, S. (2010). What motivates ecopreneurs to start businesses? International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research, 16(3), 204-228. doi: 10.1108/13552551011042799

Journal - Research Article

Milne, M. J., Tregidga, H. M., & Walton, S. (2009). Words not actions! The ideological role of sustainable development reporting. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 22(8), 1211-1257. doi: 10.1108/09513570910999292

Journal - Research Article

Walton, S. (2007). Site the mine in our backyard! Discursive strategies of community stakeholders in an environmental conflict in New Zealand. Organization & Environment, 20(2), 177-203.

Journal - Research Article

Milne, M. J., Kearins, K., & Walton, S. (2006). Creating adventures in Wonderland: The journey metaphor and environmental sustainability. Organization, 13(6), 801-839.

Journal - Research Article

Mallon, M., & Walton, S. (2005). Career and learning: The ins and the outs of it. Personnel Review, 34(4), 468-487.

Journal - Research Article

Walton, S., & Mallon, M. (2004). Redefining the boundaries? Making sense of career in contemporary New Zealand. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 42(1), 75-95.

Journal - Research Article

Milne, M. J., Tregidga, H., & Walton, S. (2003). The triple bottom line: Benchmarking New Zealand's early reporters. University of Auckland Business Review, 5(2), 36-48.

Journal - Research Article

Catley, B., Grice, S. W., & Walton, S. C. (2002). Bitter to the loyal end: Notes on resisting left melancholy, after globalisation. Ephemera, 2(3), 246-257.

Journal - Research Article

Grover, S. L., Hyde, A., Lux, A. A., O'Kane, P., & Walton, S. (2019). Optimism and attribution about uncertain events: What happened to missing flight MH370? [Short communication]. Personality & Individual Differences, 147, 8-11. doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.04.017

Journal - Research Other

Walton, S., Ruwhiu, D., & Ellis, L. (2020). Recovery chance for real change. Otago Daily Times, (16 April). Retrieved from https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/recovery-chance-real-change

Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles

Kirkwood, J., & Walton, S. (2008). Seeing the (green) light. NZ Business, 22(10), 41-42.

Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles

Walton, S., Grice, S. W., & Catley, B. (2003). The Monteith's affair: Bitter to the loyal end? Journal of the Australian & New Zealand Academy of Management, 9(2), 69-74.

Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles

Kirkwood, J., Dwyer, K., & Walton, S. (2014). An ecopreneurs' road to resilience after an earthquake. In B. Kotey (Ed.), Proceedings of the 27th Small Enterprise Association of Australia & New Zealand (SEAANZ) Annual Conference. Retrieved from http://seaanz.org/content/27th-annual-seaanz-conference-2014-1

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Zhang, J. A., Walton, S., & Kirkwood, J. (2014). Eco-innovativeness and business performance: The moderating effect of environmental orientation. Proceedings of the 28th Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM) Conference: Reshaping Management for Impact. Retrieved from http://www.anzam.org/

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Kirkwood, J., & Walton, S. (2012). Green, lean and growing: How ecopreneurs in New Zealand are starting, managing and growing green businesses. Proceedings of the 57th International Council for Small Business (ICSB) World Conference: Leading from the Edge. Retrieved from http://www.icsb.org/conferences.asp

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Greatbanks, R., & Walton, S. (2009). Mapping environmental performance indicators: A proposed model. Proceedings of the Performance Measurement Association (PMA) Conference. Retrieved from http://www.pma.otago.ac.nz/pma-cd/papers.html

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Kirkwood, J., & Walton, S. (2009). Ecopreneurs: Are their motivations for starting businesses similar or different to entrepreneurs? Proceedings of the Small Enterprise Association of Australia & New Zealand: Start Small Think Big Conference. [CD-ROM] SEAANZ. [Full Paper]

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Kirkwood, J., & Walton, S. (2008). How ecopreneurs' green values affect their international engagement. In B. Gray (Ed.), Proceedings of the 11th McGill International Entrepreneurship Conference. [CD-ROM], (pp. 139-160). Dunedin, New Zealand: School of Business, University of Otago. [Full Paper]

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Milne, M. J., Tregidga, H. M., & Walton, S. C. (2008). Words of action: The centrist and pragmatic discourse of sustainable development reporting. Proceedings of the Academy of Management Annual Meeting. Retrieved from http://program.aomonline.org/2008/submission.asp?mode=ShowSession&SessionID=1764

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Walton, S. (2007). Where am I located? Being critical and researching organisations and the natural environment. Proceedings of the Organization, Identity, Locality III Symposium. (pp. 64-67). Palmerston North, New Zealand: Department of Management, Massey University. [Full Paper]

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Milne, M. J., Kearins, K. N., & Walton, S. (2004). Business makes a 'journey' out of 'sustainability': Creating adventures in wonderland? In L. D. Parker & L. A. Meng (Eds.), Proceedings of the Fourth Asia Pacific Interdisciplinary Research in Accounting Conference. Singapore: APIRA 2004. Retrieved from http://www.accountancy.smu.edu.sg/Apira/Final%20Papers/1091-Milne.pdf

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Milne, M. J., Tregidga, H., & Walton, S. (2004). Playing with magic lanterns: The New Zealand business council for sustainable development and corporate triple bottom line reporting. In L. D. Parker & L. A. Meng (Eds.), Proceedings of the Fourth Asia Pacific Interdisciplinary Research in Accounting Conference. Singapore: APIRA 2004. Retrieved from http://www.accountancy.smu.edu.sg/Apira/Final%20Papers/1239-Tregidga.pdf

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Walton, S. (2004). Staking a claim: Exploring stakeholder strategies in an environmental conflict. Proceedings of the 18th Annual Conference of the Australian & New Zealand Academy of Management. Dunedin: ANZAM. [Full Paper]

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Milne, M. J., Tregidga, H., & Walton, S. (2003). Playing with magic lanterns? The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development and corporate triple-bottom line reporting. Proceedings of the 3rd International Critical Management Conference: Critique and inclusivity. [CD-ROM] Lancaster University. [Full Paper]

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Walton, S. (2003). To be or not to be? Exploring contestions of how we 'ought to' develop sustainably. Proceedings of the 19th Colloquium of the European Group of Organization Studies: Organization analysis informing social and global development. Copenhagen: EGOS. Retrieved from http://www.egos.cbs.dk/

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Ruwhiu, D., Kirkwood, J., & Walton, S. C. (2002). Exploring social capital - A case study of Hubbard's Foods Limited. Research, Knowledge and Practice: Enhancing Business and Government Capability. Proceedings of The Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management [CD ROM]. Beechworth, Australia: Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management. [Full Paper]

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

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