The journey of accounting for nature: A qualitative study of the strive to account for nature through translation of the TNFD framework from a Scandinavian Institutionalism perspective
Abstract
This thesis examines how the traveling idea of accounting for nature is translated and
materialized into a standardized framework. This is interesting as there is a rising interest in
how to report on environmental issues and this interest has now expanded beyond
climate-related issues to nature more broadly. Drawing on an empirical study of the so-called
TNFD framework and theories related to translation, the thesis identifies three main results.
First, the process of translating the idea into a standardized framework is complex and
conflict-intense, with idea carriers contesting components and engaging in iterative feedback
loops through dis-embedding, packaging, and unpacking how to account for nature. Second,
the idea carriers play a crucial role in the creation of the framework, where translations
become accepted, excluded, contested, or ignored, based on what aligns with their local
translation process. Third, idea carriers constantly evaluate the credibility, salience, and
legitimacy of different frameworks. This leads to battles between alternative standardized
frameworks, as idea carriers evaluate their local translations of the TNFD framework, where
the materialization of a framework that does not align with the idea carriers’ views can lead
to the strengthening of other frameworks. In showing this, this thesis contributes to previous
research into sustainability performance frameworks by showing how the idea of nature (and
not just climate) is materialized, and how frameworks battle. Additionally, this thesis speaks
to the translation literature by showing how actors accept, exclude, contest, or ignore aspects
of the frameworks through local translation processes.
Degree
Master 2-years
Other description
Msc in Management
Collections
View/ Open
Date
2023-06-29Author
Ögren, Markus
Ohlson, Ulrika
Keywords
Taskforce of Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)
Translation
Travel of ideas
Idea carriers
Accounting for nature
Calculative practices
Credibility
Salience
Legitimacy
Dis-embedding
Packaging
Unpacking
Series/Report no.
2023:113
Language
eng