Place Attachment and Emotions in Decision-Making: Wind Energy in La Guajira, Colombia

Claudia Vélez-Zapata (Co-author), Jacobo Ramírez (Co-author), Steffen Boehm (Co-author)

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference and proceedingspeer-review

Abstract

How do emotions and place attachment influence sustainable development? We address this question through a longitudinal study of wind energy projects within Indigenous territories in La Guajira, Colombia (2019–2023). Our theoretical framework integrates the concept of place attachment, particularly its emotional dimensions, with decision-making processes concerning sustainable development. Our key contribution lies in developing a model to discuss the ontological and emotional roots of place attachment of actors from Indigenous communities, governments, and businesses. We posit that Indigenous communities have an experiential perspective of place, with deep and evolving connections to their ancestral territories that mold their aspirations for their territory’s future. In contrast, businesses and governments have a functional perspective of place, viewing it primarily as a geographical location for implementing technological solutions for climate change mitigation. These diverging perspectives on place and space result in colliding emotions. The multifaceted emotional bonds that individuals or communities form with specific places instill a profound sense of belonging and identity, whereas firms’ operations in such settings often involve superficial engagement through corporate social responsibility activities. Our findings provide insight into the intricate interplay between emotional attachment, space and place, and sustainable development. We argue that technological solutions are insufficient without societal acceptance, highlighting the importance of emotional bonds in the context of sustainable development.
Translated title of the contributionApego al lugar y emociones en la toma de decisiones: La energía eólica en La Guajira, Colombia
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAcademy of Management Proceedings
EditorsSonia Taneja
Place of Publicationhttps://journals.aom.org/action/doSearch?AllField=place+attachment&SeriesKey=amproc
PublisherAcademy of Management Proceedings
Volume2024
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)2151-6561
ISBN (Print)0065-0668
DOIs
StatePublished - 9 Jul 2024
EventThe 84th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management - Hyatt: Grand Ballroom Foyer, Chicago, United States
Duration: 9 Aug 202413 Aug 2024
Conference number: 84
https://journals.aom.org/doi/epdf/10.5465/AMPROC.2024.9bp

Conference

ConferenceThe 84th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management
Abbreviated titleAOM2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period9/08/2413/08/24
Internet address

Types Minciencias

  • Eventos científicos con componente de apropiación

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