From Self to System: A Mixed-Methods Sustainability Leadership Framework

Abstract

Sustainability leadership is increasingly recognised as essential for addressing complex socio-ecological challenges, yet empirically grounded competency frameworks remain scarce, particularly those derived from interdisciplinary and intergenerational samples. Building on an extensive literature synthesis, this study developed an a priori framework comprising four dimensions: (1) Knowledge & Understanding, (2) Values, Motivation & Purpose, (3) Leadership Practices & Impact, and (4) Inner Development & Learning, operationalised into 20 core competency elements. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was conducted at Kiel University, combining quantitative importance ratings from 301 participants with qualitative content analysis of open-ended responses from 312 participants across all faculties and status groups. Quantitative findings supported all 20 elements, with systemic, value-oriented, and collaborative competencies rated particularly highly. Qualitative findings supported all deductive competency domains, with K2 and K5 merged into one integrated category, and added 12 inductive categories, foregrounding relational, visionary, critical-systemic, and inner-directed capacities. Trust and empathy emerged as implicit foundations across several dimensions. The resulting framework is organised across four competency dimensions and three relational levels: I (the leader within), Us (in relation to others), and World (in relation to society and systems). It offers a theoretically and empirically grounded foundation for sustainability leadership development in higher education, organisations, and professional training.