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Taking the Lead into Sustainability: Decision Makers’ Competencies for a Greener Future

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah Eberz

    (Institute of Education, University of Zurich, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland)

  • Sandra Lang

    (Institute of Education, University of Zurich, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland)

  • Petra Breitenmoser

    (Institute of Education, University of Zurich, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
    Department of Primary Education, Zurich University of Teacher Education, 8090 Zurich, Switzerland)

  • Kai Niebert

    (Institute of Education, University of Zurich, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland)

Abstract

Many research articles describe competencies that people need in order to think, develop, and enact a sustainable future. Based on findings from the political economy, this paper argues that it is the macroscopic decisions in the public sphere that have an impact on society and the environment. Therefore, decision makers in the economy, politics, and civil society are important actors to enable a societal transformation towards sustainability by making macroscopic decisions. Based on these assumptions, this empirical research article analyzes the competencies decision makers such as ministers, CEOs, or union leaders need to contribute to a sustainable future in their professional life. We conducted interviews with 14 high-level decision makers and analyzed their competencies based on Wiek et al.’s framework on sustainability competencies. The findings show how they enact and organize the competencies needed for steering the sustainable transition. Linking all competencies is particularly important, especially at the intersection of different systems, to develop a macroscale, system-oriented decision. The authors suggest to consider systems and interpersonal thinking as extremely interdisciplinary competencies and to put a focus on public-sphere actions when educating future leaders. Moreover, the results indicate that dealing with uncertainty, following one’s own values, and building up resilience play a major role for decision makers.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Eberz & Sandra Lang & Petra Breitenmoser & Kai Niebert, 2023. "Taking the Lead into Sustainability: Decision Makers’ Competencies for a Greener Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-24, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:6:p:4986-:d:1094091
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:cup:judgdm:v:2:y:2007:i::p:189-203 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. United Nations UN, 2015. "Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," Working Papers id:7559, eSocialSciences.
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