Showing papers by "Oksana Mont published in 2021"

Impacts of the Sharing Economy on Urban Sustainability: The Perceptions of Municipal Governments and Sharing Organisations

Abstract: By changing the institutionalised practices associated with resource distribution, the sharing economy could support sustainable urban transformations. However, its impacts on urban sustainability are unknown and contested, and key actors hold different perceptions about them. Understanding how they frame these impacts could help solve conflicts and outline what can be done to influence the development of the sharing economy in a way that fosters urban sustainability. This study explores the diversity of these frames across actors (sharing economy organisations and municipalities), segments (accommodation, bicycle, and car sharing), and cities (Amsterdam and Toronto). A framework of the impacts on urban sustainability was developed following a systematic literature review. This then guided the analysis of secondary data and 51 interviews with key actors. Results show that accommodation sharing is framed most negatively due to its impact on urban liveability. Bicycle sharing is surrounded by less conflict. Still, in Amsterdam, which has a well-functioning bicycle infrastructure, it is viewed less positively than in Toronto. Car sharing is the most positively framed segment in Amsterdam as its potentials to lower emissions align with municipal sustainability agendas. Practical insights for negotiations between sharing economy organisations and municipalities to advance urban sustainability are proposed.

Communicating access-based consumption: company framings of home furnishings rental

Abstract: Access-based business models such as product rental hold promise extending product lifetimes. However, a lack of consumer acceptance hinders these models from becoming mainstream in the business-to-consumer market. In order for rental models to resonate with consumers, they must be designed and communicated in a way that aligns with consumers’ needs. While a number of studies have addressed business model design, few have looked at how rental is promoted to consumers. Focusing on the growing sector of home furnishings rental, we use a qualitative content analysis of company websites to explore whether and how company messaging reflects consumer drivers for product rental found in literature. We find that, contrary to studies of sustainable business models that suggest emphasising sustainability aspects, sustainability is not widely communicated. In addition, while messaging does reflect broad drivers found in literature for a variety of consumer goods – including economic benefits, freedom from burdens of ownership, convenience, and novelty – home furnishings rental companies represent these drivers somewhat differently. This includes appealing to more intangible ideas such as aspiration, self-expression and homeliness, as well as citing benefits specific to home furnishings such as the literal burdens of transporting furniture when moving. Our study raises interesting questions about the role of sustainability in messaging and provides insights from companies actively engaged in rental that can potentially help ensure that company messaging resonates with consumers. We also contribute empirical findings on home furnishings rental, which has seen increasing engagement by practitioners but has received little consideration in academic literature.