The framework underpinning conflicting keys in sustainability harmonyintransit

Purpose This paper proposes a conceptual framework underpinning the conflicting key elements in analyzing sustainable development SD of real estate property and the environment. Designmethodologyapproach The key elements in the framework are the economic, the socioenvironment, the socioeconomic and the legal systems which represent different competing values. Findings The competing values framework encompasses the development of environmental legislation and other governmental policies towards environmental sustainability of construction activities. The competing values which direct policymaking are modelled as short term resource exploitation versus long term resource sustainability and flexibility freedom in land usedevelopment versus control planning and building laws. As people attain harmonious outcome intra and intergroup in arriving at consensus and directions towards SD they do so as members of a complex social organism that has multiple group memberships, interests and loyalties. Research limitationsimplications As loyalties and interests shift, harmony is in transit, and directions of actions and attitudes change as a function of time. The choice of potentially conflicting attainable goals towards SD is a consequence of power play amongst stakeholders. Practical implications The paper is important in highlighting the main issues in conceptualizing key conflicting elements in the formulation of policies for SD. Originalityvalue A definition of harmony relating to social exchanges and cultural settings with emphasis on dynamic equilibrium is proposed for the formulation of SD policies.