Using Qualitative System Dynamics to Enhance the Performance Measurement of Sustainability

This paper aims to propose the adoption of qualitative system dynamics frameworks in order to improve the so called "second generation" performance measurement models with regards to the social and environmental dimensions of business performance. The said models address the issue of connecting financial and non financial indicators by using strategy or success maps. Some authors suggested the use of system dynamics approaches to improve them by taking into account the dynamic nature of performance and the transformation processes linking objectives and resources. Based on a system thinking approach this paper specifically focuses on the performance measurement of sustainability, suggesting the adoption of qualitative system dynamic frameworks in order to better identify objectives and in support of a correct process of selection of indicators.