Uncovering affordances for mutualistic value co-creation between humans and nonhuman actors: the ecocentric service ecosystems framework

Abstract

This study aims to develop an ecocentric perspective of service ecosystems by building on affordance theory to understand value co-creation among human and nonhuman actors and how their interactions can foster ecosystem well-being. This study employed a qualitative approach based on the Gioia Methodology, involving 67 interviews with actors (forest and agricultural landowners, NGOs, industry, and academia representatives) related to a forest service ecosystem. Study results enabled the uncovering of forest ecosystem-related affordances, revealing latent possibilities for action that enable value co-creation interactions between human and nonhuman actors, and their valence for each actor. By exploring the valence from interactions between actors, this research identifies whether these interactions are parasitic or mutualistic and systematizes four potential service ecosystem trajectories over time: thriving, recovery, decline and collapse. Building upon study results, an Ecocentric Service Ecosystem Framework, where human and nonhuman actors are considered equal, is proposed. Using the Affordance Theory lens, this framework seeks to identify and promote mutualistic interactions between human and nonhuman actors.