Ecological transcendence and ecological behavior: a test of the S-curve hypothesis

Purpose Adopting a positive organizational scholarship perspective, this paper aims to examine dynamic effects of ecological transcendence on ecological behavior. Design/methodology/approach Based on 176 responses of employees from 46 organizations, the author found that both quadratic and cubic terms in the hierarchical regression equation were significant, evidence that ecological transcendence has an S-curve relationship with ecological behavior which suggests deficiency, goading and lulling effects. Findings The author finds a significant cubic term indicative of a signoidal relationship between ecological transcendence and ecological behavior. Research limitations/implications Implications for theory and practice are discussed. Given the growing interest in environmental sustainability, this study provides initial evidence of the dynamics of ecological behavior. Practical implications The study has implications for managing sustainability in organizations. Managers have empirical evidence of the dynamics which can serve as a basis for establishing mechanisms to goad growth and constraints to limit downturns. Originality/value The study is original in that it has not been published elsewhere except for presentation at a conference.