A theoretical model of multistakeholder conflict resolution over sustainability issues integrating Indigenous peoples’ perspectives as rightsholders: a systematic literature review

Purpose This study aims to identify the determinants of conflict resolution over sustainability issues involving Indigenous peoples. While Indigenous peoples’ stewardship of nature as well as their rights to participate in any decision-making regarding their lives are recognized by the United Nations, sustainability (e.g. conservation policy, livelihood issues and land use rights) remains a major conflict between Indigenous rightsholders and non-Indigenous stakeholders, including governments and private sectors. This raises the main research question: What are the determinants of multistakeholder conflict resolution over sustainability issues from Indigenous peoples’ perspectives? Design/methodology/approach This study uses a systematic literature review approach to identify relevant indicative variables in developing the theoretical model. The authors reviewed 58 studies from 3,099 screened articles in four leading academic databases: Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Findings The findings suggest that trust and socioecological justice could mediate the relationship between practical wisdom and cooperative conflict resolution. In addition, this study also postulates a bidirectional causal relationship between trust and socioecological justice. These relationships can be examined at an individual or organizational level. Originality/value Based on the findings, the authors introduce a theoretical model for multistakeholder conflict resolution over sustainability issues, integrating Indigenous perspectives. Drawing upon decolonization philosophy, they specifically extend the wisdom framework by calling for an analysis of power differentials that previously focused on managerial decision-making and conflicting social groups. The authors also provide several practical implications that benefit the common good of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders.