CE-oriented culture readiness: An assessment approach based on maturity models and fuzzy set theories

Moving towards a Circular Economy (CE) requires systemic changes across organizations, technological and cultural changes. However, there is a lack of studies in the literature on guidelines and tools specifically focused on helping organizations to identify the aspects that could be improved to implement a CE-oriented culture. Thus, this paper aims to propose a fuzzy logic-based approach to assess the readiness of organizations to implement a CE-oriented culture. An in-depth literature review to identify the CE-oriented culture elements, a fuzzy Delphi methodology (FDM) to select the elements, a fuzzy inference system (FIS) to classify the organization in readiness levels, and an application to clarify the proposed approach were carried out. The main result of this study is an assessment approach that, based on analyzing a set of elements representing a CE-oriented culture: classifies an organization in six levels of readiness to implement a CE-oriented culture; provides a pairwise comparison of the performance of the organization between the building blocks; and a radar chart with the overall performance of the organization regarding CE-oriented culture. These three outcomes provide organizations with specific information and guidance for decision-making regarding the changes that should be made to adapt or change the existing culture to one that comprises the specificities of CE. This study found that organizations that focus on radical innovations and balance the efforts between technical and soft aspects are more oriented towards a CE culture. It was also identified that making a more in-depth analysis of the presence of CE oriented culture elements in the organization may contribute by mitigating possible rebound effects that could be generated from implementing CE practices. Moreover, analyzing the culture orientation for CE of the organization might create in leaders and employees a sense of urgency to move towards CE as a way to obtain environmental, social and economic benefits. (c) 2022 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.