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How can leaders change the future?: The role of corporate leadership in sustainable transitions from a consultancy perspective

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Resumo:Considering the challenges of the contemporary world, such as the multifaceted nature of sustainability, reconciling profit with sustainable practices, a lack of sustainability experience, and resistance to change within organisations, leadership emerges as a key driver in fostering innovation and sustainable transition. In this sense, by theoretically contributing to a new conception of the role of future leaders in sustainable transitions, the study aims to tackle the urgent issues facing today's society, identify necessary competences for leadership in sustainable transitions, and explore generational differences in sustainability approaches. A qualitative analysis from a consultancy perspective was conducted to obtain an unbiased understanding of sustainable transitions, considering the perceptions of eight consultants from diverse fields of Big Four consultancy companies experienced in sustainable transitions. The results contributed to both managerial and societal discussions, considering that it was evident from the consultancy perspective that leadership is a critical factor in the success of sustainable transitions, and for that, leaders must integrate sustainable practices into the organisation's strategic vision, operations, and culture, engaging stakeholders and innovating strategies. Furthermore, the essential competences highlighted include future-thinking, implementation, adaptability and humility. Moreover, perspectives on generational impacts on leadership approaches vary, with some consultants attributing differences to generational characteristics, while others believe that mindset and personal traits are more influential, regardless of age. To conclude the study, consultants provided advice to future leaders on sustainable transitions, emphasising the importance of continuous learning, embracing innovation, and cultivating a shared vision, among other recommendations.
Autores principais:Mousaco, Beatriz Grácio
Assunto:Sustentabilidade -- Sustainability Sustainable transitions Liderança -- Leadership Competências -- Skills Generational differences Consultoria -- Consulting Transições sustentáveis Diferenças geracionais
Ano:2024
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:dissertação de mestrado
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:ISCTE
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Repositório ISCTE
Descrição
Resumo:Considering the challenges of the contemporary world, such as the multifaceted nature of sustainability, reconciling profit with sustainable practices, a lack of sustainability experience, and resistance to change within organisations, leadership emerges as a key driver in fostering innovation and sustainable transition. In this sense, by theoretically contributing to a new conception of the role of future leaders in sustainable transitions, the study aims to tackle the urgent issues facing today's society, identify necessary competences for leadership in sustainable transitions, and explore generational differences in sustainability approaches. A qualitative analysis from a consultancy perspective was conducted to obtain an unbiased understanding of sustainable transitions, considering the perceptions of eight consultants from diverse fields of Big Four consultancy companies experienced in sustainable transitions. The results contributed to both managerial and societal discussions, considering that it was evident from the consultancy perspective that leadership is a critical factor in the success of sustainable transitions, and for that, leaders must integrate sustainable practices into the organisation's strategic vision, operations, and culture, engaging stakeholders and innovating strategies. Furthermore, the essential competences highlighted include future-thinking, implementation, adaptability and humility. Moreover, perspectives on generational impacts on leadership approaches vary, with some consultants attributing differences to generational characteristics, while others believe that mindset and personal traits are more influential, regardless of age. To conclude the study, consultants provided advice to future leaders on sustainable transitions, emphasising the importance of continuous learning, embracing innovation, and cultivating a shared vision, among other recommendations.