Adopting Sustainability Competencies in Management Education—A Scoping Review of Progress
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Research Methods: Scoping Review and Thematic Analysis
2.1. Steps in the Review
2.1.1. Step 1: Research Question(s)
2.1.2. Step 2: Indices, Databases, and Search Engines
2.2. Search Process
2.2.1. Step 3: Study Selection
2.2.2. Steps 4 and 5: Charting the Data and Summarizing the Findings
3. Themes Emerging from the Scoping Review
3.1. Complex Real-World Problems and the UN SDGs (2015)
3.2. Sustainability
3.3. Why SCs Should Be Implemented: Different Competencies Required for Complex Issues
3.4. Competencies for Sustainability and Other Complex Issues
3.5. Effectiveness of SCs
3.6. Ongoing Debate Among Academics
3.7. Convergence
3.8. SC Framework, Version 1.0
3.9. SC Framework, Version 2.0
3.10. From Convergence to Agreement
3.11. Institutional Barriers Preventing Implementation of SCs
- Ill-Prepared Organizational Structure
- Need for Sustainability Training and Other Supports for Educators
- Restructuring Curricula
- Additional Barriers
4. Why Focus on Business Schools?
4.1. Business Schools Need Transformative Change Now
4.2. Urgency Continues to Grow
4.3. Societal Feedback
5. Discussion
5.1. An Appropriate Model for SC Implementation Exists
5.2. Main Barriers to Implementing SCs
5.3. Response to HEIs’ Ill-Prepared Organizational Structures
5.4. Response to the Need for Sustainability Training for Educators
5.5. Response to Providing Ongoing Educational Supports
5.6. Response to Restructuring Curricula
5.7. Response to the Need to Enhance Sustainability Courses
5.8. Response to Measuring Performance
6. Implications and Limitations
7. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
- Bates, R.; Brenner, B.; Schmid, E.; Steiner, G.; Vogel, S. Towards meta–competences in higher education for tackling complex real–world problems–a cross disciplinary review. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2022, 23, 290–308. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Risopoulos-Pichler, F.; Daghofer, F.; Steiner, G. Competences for solving complex problems: A cross-sectional survey on higher education for sustainability learning and transdisciplinarity. Sustainability 2020, 12, 6016. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Weber, J.M.; Lindenmeyer, C.P.; Liò, P.; Lapkin, A.A. Teaching sustainability as complex systems approach: A sustainable development goals workshop. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2021, 22, 25–41. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- World Economic Forum. The Global Risks Report 2022 (17 ed). Available online: https://wef.ch/risks22 (accessed on 3 March 2025).
- United Nations. Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Available online: https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda/ (accessed on 3 March 2025).
- de Lange, D.E. How do universities make progress? Stakeholder-related mechanisms affecting adoption of sustainability in university curricula. J. Bus. Ethics. 2013, 118, 103–116. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Disterheft, A.; Caeiro, S.; Azeiteiro, U.M.; Leal Filho, W. Sustainability science and education for sustainable development in universities: A way for transition. In Sustainability Assessment Tools in Higher Education Institutions: Mapping Trends and Good Practices Around the World; Caeiro, S., Filho, W., Jabbour, C., Azeiteiro, U., Eds.; Springer International Publication: Cham, Switzerland, 2013; pp. 3–27. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Stough, T.; Ceulemans, K.; Lambrechts, W.; Cappuyns, V. Assessing sustainability in higher education curricula: A critical reflection on validity issues. J. Clean. Prod. 2018, 172, 4456–4466. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Crick, R. Key Competencies for Education in a European Context: Narratives of accountability or care. Eur. Educ. Res. J. 2008, 7, 311–318. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO Competency Framework. Available online: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/search/92be328d-7167-4312-8487-d9ee8530ffee (accessed on 3 March 2025).
- Abdelgaffar, H.A. A review of responsible management education: Practices, outcomes and challenges. J. Manag. Dev. 2020, 40, 613–638. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Redman, A.; Wiek, A. Competencies for advancing transformations towards sustainability. Front. Educ. 2021, 6, 785163. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Rychen, D.S. Alignment with OECD Definition and Selection of Competencies: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations (DeSeCo) Project. Available online: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/about/projects/edu/education-2040/concept-notes/thought-leader-written-statements/Thought_leader_written_statement_Rychen.pdf (accessed on 3 March 2025).
- Arruda Filho, N.d.P.; Hino, M.C.; Beuter, B.S.P. Including SDGs in the education of globally responsible leaders. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2019, 20, 856–870. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kassel, K.; Rimanoczy, I.; Mitchell, S. The sustainable mindset: Connecting being, thinking, and doing in management education. Acad. Manag. Proc. 2016, 2016, 16659. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lozano, R.; Barreiro-Gen, M.; Pietikäinen, J.; Gago-Cortes, C.; Favi, C.; Jimenez Munguia, M.T.; Monus, F.; Simão, J.; Benayas, J.; Desha, C.; et al. Adopting sustainability competence-based education in academic disciplines: Insights from 13 higher education institutions. Sustain. Dev. 2022, 30, 620–635. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Aung, P.N.; Hallinger, P. Research on sustainability leadership in higher education: A scoping review. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2022, 24, 517–534. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Filho, W.; Eustachio, J.H.; Caldana, A.C.; Will, M.; Lange Salvia, A.; Rampasso, I.S.; Anholon, R.; Platje, J.; Kovaleva, M. Sustainability leadership in higher education Institutions: An overview of challenges. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3761. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Bagley, C.E.; Sulkowski, A.J.; Nelson, J.S.; Waddock, S.; Shrivastava, P. A path to developing more insightful business school graduates: A systems-based, experimental approach to integrating law, strategy, and sustainability. Acad. Manag. Learn. Educ. 2020, 19, 541–568. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Marathe, G.M.; Dutta, T.; Kundu, S. Is management education preparing future leaders for sustainable business?: Opening minds but not hearts. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2020, 21, 372–392. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Times Higher Education (THE). Impact Rankings. Available online: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/impactrankings (accessed on 3 March 2025).
- Bautista-Puig, N.; Orduña-Malea, E.; Perez-Esparrells, C. Enhancing sustainable development goals or promoting universities? An analysis of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2022, 23, 211–231. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Weybrecht, G. From challenge to opportunity–Management education’s crucial role in sustainability and the sustainable development goals–An overview and framework. Int. J. Manag. Educ. 2017, 15 (Part B), 84–92. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Figueiró, P.S.; Raufflet, E. Sustainability in higher education: A systematic review with focus on management education. J. Clean. Prod. 2015, 106, 22. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Tufano, P. A Bolder Vision for Business Schools. In Harvard Business Review; Harvard Business Publishing: Brighton, MA, USA, 2020; Available online: https://hbr.org/2020/03/a-bolder-vision-for-business-schools (accessed on 3 March 2025).
- Dzhengiz, T.; Niesten, E. Competences for environmental sustainability: A systematic review on the impact of absorptive capacity and capabilities. J. Bus. Ethics. 2020, 162, 881–906. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Gómez-Olmedo, A.M.; Valor, C.; Carrero, I. Mindfulness in education for sustainable development to nurture socioemotional competencies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ. Educ. Res. 2020, 26, 1527–1555. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Munn, Z.; Peters, M.D.J.; Stern, C.; Tufanaru, C.; McArthur, A.; Aromataris, E. Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach. BMC Med. Res. Methodol. 2018, 18, 1–7. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Sanchez-Carrillo, J.C.; Cadarso, M.A.; Tobarra, M.A. Embracing higher education leadership in sustainability: A systematic review. J. Clean. Prod. 2021, 298, 126675. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wiek, A.; Withycombe, L.; Redman, C.L. Key competencies in sustainability: A reference framework for academic program development. Sustain. Sci. 2011, 6, 203–218. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Annelin, A.; Boström, G.-O. An assessment of key sustainability competencies: A review of scales and propositions for validation. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2023, 24, 53–69. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Brundiers, K.; Barth, M.; Cebrián, G.; Cohen, M.; Diaz, L.; Doucette-Remington, S.; Dripps, W.; Habron, G.; Harré, N.; Jarchow, M.; et al. Key competencies in sustainability in higher education—Toward an agreed-upon reference framework. Sustain. Sci. 2021, 16, 13–29. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Eberz, S.; Lang, S.; Breitenmoser, P.; Niebert, K. Taking the lead into sustainability: Decision makers’ competencies for a greener future. Sustainability 2023, 15, 4986. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Evans, T. Competencies and pedagogies for sustainability education: A roadmap for sustainability studies program development in colleges and universities. Sustainability 2019, 11, 5526. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- McCarthy, B.; Eagle, L. Are the sustainability-oriented skills and competencies of business graduates meeting or missing employers’ needs? Perspectives of regional employers. Aust. J. Environ. Educ. 2021, 37, 326–343. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Connell, K.H.; Remington, S.; Armstrong, C. Assessing Systems Thinking Skills in Two Undergraduate Sustainability Courses: A Comparison of Teaching Strategies. J. Sustain. Educ. 2012, 3. Available online: http://hdl.handle.net/2097/13783 (accessed on 22 March 2025).
- Sandri, O.J. Threshold Concepts, Systems and Learning for Sustainability. Environ. Edu. Res. 2013, 19, 810–822. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Gray, S. Measuring Systems Thinking. Nat. Sustain. 2018, 1, 388–389. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Levy, M.A.; Lubell, M.N.; McRoberts, N. The Structure of Mental Models of Sustainable Agriculture. Nat. Sustain. 2018, 1, 413–420. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Schuler, S.; Fanta, D.; Rosenkraenzer, F.; Riess, W. Systems Thinking within the Scope of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)–a Heuristic Competence Model as a Basis for (Science) Teacher Education. J. Geogr. Higher Edu. 2018, 42, 192–204. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Mahaffy, P.G.; Matlin, S.A.; Holme, T.A.; Mackellar, J. Systems Thinking for Education about the Molecular Basis of Sustainability. Nat. Sustain. 2019, 2, 362–370. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Withycombe, L.K. Anticipatory Competence as a Key Competence in Sustainability Education. Master’s Thesis, School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA, 2010. [Google Scholar]
- Gardiner, S.; Rieckmann, M. Pedagogies of preparedness: Use of reflective journals in the operationalisation and development of anticipatory competence. Sustainability 2015, 7, 10554–10575. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ojala, M. Hope and Anticipation in Education for a Sustainable Future. Futures 2017, 94, 76–84. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Remington-Doucette, S.M.; Hiller Connell, K.Y.; Armstrong, C.M.; Musgrove, S.L. Assessing Sustainability Education in a Transdisciplinary Undergraduate Course Focused on Real-world Problem Solving. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2013, 14, 404–433. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Verma, P.; Vaughan, K.; Martin, K.; Pulitano, E.; Garrett, J.; Piirto, D.D. Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science into Forestry, Natural Resources, and Environmental Programs. J. Forestry 2016, 114, 648–655. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Komasinkski, A.; Ishimura, G. Critical Thinking and Normative Competencies for Sustainability Science Education. J. High. Educ. Lifelong Learn. 2017, 24, 21–37. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- de Haan, G. The BLK ‘21’ Programme in Germany: A ‘Design Competence’-based Model for Education for Sustainable Development. Environ. Edu. Res. 2006, 12, 19–32. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wesselink, R.; Blok, V.; van Leur, S.; Lans, T.; Dentoni, D. Individual Competencies for Managers Engaged in Corporate Sustainable Management Practices. J. Clean. Prod. 2015, 106, 497–506. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Fukushima, Y.; Ishimura, G.; Komasinski, A.J.; Omoto, R.; Managi, S. Education and Capacity Building with Research: A Possible Case for Future Earth. Int. J. Sus. Higher Ed. 2017, 18, 263–276. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Peters, M.; Godfrey, C.; Khalil, H.; Mcinerney, P.; Parker, D.; Soares, C. Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews. Int. J. Evid. Based Healthc. 2015, 13, 141–146. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Schank, C.; Rieckmann, M. Socio-economically Substantiated Education for Sustainable Development: Development of Competencies and Value Orientations between Individual Responsibility and Structural Transformation. J. Edu. Sust. Dev. 2019, 13, 67–91. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ulrich, M.E. Learning Relational Ways of Being: What Globally Engaged Scholars Have Learned About Global Engagement and Sustainable Community Development. Doctoral Dissertation, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA, 2016. [Google Scholar]
- Brundiers, K.; Wiek, A. Beyond Interpersonal Competence: Teaching and Learning Professional Skills in Sustainability. Edu. Sci. 2017, 7, 39. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Sarpin, N.; Kasim, N.; Zainal, R.; Noh, H.M. A guideline for interpersonal capabilities enhancement to support sustainable facility management practice. IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci. 2018, 40, 012116. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Glasser, H. Toward the Development of Robust Learning for Sustainability Core Competencies. Sustain. J. Rec. 2016, 9, 121–134. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Giangrande, N.; White, R.M.; East, M.; Jackson, R.; Clarke, T.; Saloff Coste, M.; Penha-Lopes, G. A Competency Framework to Assess and Activate Education for Sustainable Development: Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 4.7 Challenge. Sustainability 2019, 11, 2832. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Jegstad, K.M.; Sinnes, A.T. Chemistry Teaching for the Future: A Model for Secondary Chemistry Education for Sustainable Development. Int. J. Sci. Edu. 2015, 37, 655–683. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Hull, R.B.; Kimmel, C.; Robertson, D.P.; Mortimer, M. International Field Experiences Promote Professional Development for Sustainability Leaders. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2016, 17, 86–104. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wiek, A.; Bernstein, M.J.; Rider, W.F.; Cohen, M.; Forrest, N.; Kuzdas, C.; Kay, B.; Keeler, L.W. Operationalising Competencies in Higher Education for Sustainable Development. In Handbook of Higher Education for Sustainable Development; Barth, M., Michelsen, G., Rieckmann, M., Thomas, I., Eds.; Routledge: London, UK, 2016; pp. 297–317. [Google Scholar]
- Rimanoczy, I.; Klingenberg, B. The sustainability mindset indicator: A personal development tool. J. Manag. Glob. Sustain. 2021, 9, 43–79. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Tavanti, M.; Sfeir-Younis, A.; Wilp, E.A. Sustainability initiatives for management education: A roadmap for institutional integration. J. Manag. Glob. Sustain. 2022, 10, 87–118. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Khalil, H.; Peters, M.; Godfrey, C.; Mcinerney, P.; Soares, C.; Parker, D. An Evidence-Based Approach to Scoping Reviews. Worldv. Evid. Based Nurs. 2016, 13, 118–123. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Perez Salgado, F.; Abbott, D.; Wilson, G. Dimensions of Professional Competences for Interventions towards Sustainability. Sustain. Sci. 2018, 13, 163–177. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Peters, M.; Godfrey, C.; McInerney, P.; Baldini Soares, C.; Khalil, H.; Parker, D. Scoping reviews. In JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis; Aromataris, E., Munn, Z., Eds.; JBI: Singapore, 2020. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Tricco, A.C.; Lillie, E.; Zarin, W.; O’brien, K.; Colquhoun, H.; Kastner, M.; Levac, D.; Ng, C.; Sharpe, J.P.; Wilson, K.; et al. A scoping review on the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews. BMC Med. Res. Methodol. 2016, 16, 15. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Miska, C.; Mendenhall, M.E. Responsible leadership: A mapping of extant research and future directions. J. Bus. Ethics. 2018, 148, 117–134. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Arksey, H.; O’Malley, L. Scoping Studies: Towards a methodological framework. Int. J. Soc. Res. Methodol. Theory Pract. 2005, 8, 19–32. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Learning for the Future: Competences in Education for Sustainable Development. Available online: http://www.unece.org/env/welcome.html (accessed on 3 March 2025).
- Mihas, P. Qualitative research methods: Approaches to qualitative data analysis. In International Encyclopedia of Education, 4th ed.; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2023; pp. 302–313. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Braun, V.; Clarke, V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qual. Res. Psychol. 2006, 3, 77–101. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Brundtland Commission. Our Common Future. Available online: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5987our-common-future.pdf (accessed on 3 March 2025).
- Metcalf, L.; Benn, S. Leadership for sustainability: An evolution of leadership ability. J. Bus. Ethics. 2013, 112, 369–384. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Montiel, I.; Gallo, P.J.; Antolin-Lopez, R. What on earth should managers learn about corporate sustainability? A threshold concept approach. J. Bus. Ethics. 2020, 162, 857–880. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Verhulst, E.; Lambrechts, W. Fostering the incorporation of sustainable development in higher education. Lessons learned from a change management perspective. J. Clean. Prod. 2014, 106, 189–204. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Smith, A.M. Innovative approaches to teaching sustainable development. In Encyclopedia of Sustainability in Higher Education; Filho, W.L., Ed.; Springer International Publishing: Cham, Switzerland, 2019; pp. 954–964. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- OECD. Executive Summary: Definition and Selection of Competencies (DeSeCo). Available online: https://www.deseco.ch/bfs/deseco/en/index/02.html (accessed on 3 March 2025).
- Rychen, D.S.; Salganik, L.H. Definition and Selection of Competencies—Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations; Hogrefe & Huber Publishers: Berne, Switzerland, 2001. [Google Scholar]
- Edelman Trust Barometer. Global Report. Available online: https://www.edelman.com/trust/2023/trust-barometer (accessed on 3 March 2025).
- Muff, K.; Liechti, A.; Dyllick, T. How to apply responsible leadership theory in practice: A competency tool to collaborate on the sustainable development goals. Corp. Soc. Responsib. Environ. Manag. 2020, 27, 2254–2274. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Griswold, W. “We can’t wait anymore:” Young professionals engaging in education for sustainability. Adult Educ. Q. 2022, 72, 197–215. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, Y.; Sommier, M.; Vasques, A. Sustainability education at higher education institutions: Pedagogies and students’ competences. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2022, 23, 174–193. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Caldana, A.C.F.; Eustachio, J.H.P.P.; Lespinasse Sampaio, B.; Gianotto, M.L.; Talarico, A.C.; Batalhão, A.C. da S. A hybrid approach to sustainable development competencies: The role of formal, informal and non-formal learning experiences. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2023, 24, 235–258. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Frank, P. A proposal of personal competencies for sustainable consumption. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2021, 22, 1225–1245. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Grosseck, G.; Țîru, L.G.; Bran, R.A. Education for sustainable development: Evolution and perspectives: A bibliometric review of research, 1992–2018. Sustainability 2019, 11, 6136. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Sekhar, C. The inclusion of sustainability in management education institutions. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2020, 21, 200–227. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kestin, T.S.; Lumbreras, J.; Cortés Puch, M. Mobilizing higher education action on the SDGs: Insights from system change approaches. In Higher Education and SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals, 1st ed.; Cabrera, Á., Cutright, D., Eds.; Emerald Group Publishing Limited: Bradford, UK, 2023; pp. 27–49. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Mader, C.; Scott, G.; Razak, D. Effective Change Management, Governance & Policy for Sustainability Transformation in Higher Education. Sustain. Account. Manag. Policy J. 2013, 4, 267–284. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Blanco-Portela, N.; Javier Benayas, J.; Pertierra, L.R.; Lozano, R. Towards the integration of sustainability in Higher Education Institutions: A review of drivers of and barriers to organisational change and their comparison against those found of companies. J. Clean. Prod. 2017, 166, 563–578. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Velazquez, L.; Munguia, N.; Sanchez, M. Deterring Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2005, 6, 383–391. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Singh, A.S.; Segatto, A.P. Challenges for education for sustainability in business courses. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2020, 21, 264–280. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Žalėnienė, I.; Pereira, P. Higher education for sustainability: A global perspective. Geogr. Sustain. 2021, 2, 99–106. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- McDonald, D. The Golden Passport: Harvard Business School, the Limits of Capitalism, and the Moral Failure of the MBA Elite; Harper Business: New York, NY, USA, 2017. [Google Scholar]
- Roller, R.H. Finance and business ethics in an era of stakeholder capitalism. J. Educ. Bus. 2022, 97, 490–496. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Killion, A.K.; Ostrow Michel, J.; Hawes, J.K. Toward identifying sustainability leadership competencies: Insights from mapping a graduate sustainability education curriculum. Sustainability 2022, 14, 5811. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Pacis, M.; VanWynsberghe, R. Key sustainability competencies for education for sustainability: Creating a living, learning and adaptive tool for widespread use. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2020, 21, 575–592. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Mochizuki, Y. Educating for transforming our world: Revisiting international debates surrounding education for sustainable development. Curr. Issues Comp. Educ. 2016, 19, 109–125. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Learning Objectives. UNESCO. Available online: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/education-sustainable-development-goals-learning-objectives (accessed on 3 March 2025).
- Redman, A.; Wiek, A.; Barth, M. Current practice of assessing students’ sustainability competencies: A review of tools. Sustain. Sci. 2021, 16, 117–135. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Sustainability Competency | Brief Definition of the Competency |
---|---|
Systems-thinking | Ability to apply modeling and complex analytical approaches to analyze (1) complex systems and sustainability problems and (2) the impacts of sustainability action plans (strategies) and interventions. |
Futures-thinking | Ability to carry out or construct simulations, forecasts, scenarios, and visions (1) to anticipate future states and dynamics of complex systems and sustainability problems and (2) to anticipate how sustainability action plans (strategies) might play out in the future (if implemented). |
Values-thinking | Ability to identify, map, specify, negotiate, and apply sustainability values, principles, and goals (1) to assess the sustainability of current/future states of complex systems; (2) to construct sustainability visions for these systems; and (3) to assess the sustainability of action plans (strategies) and interventions. |
Strategies-thinking | Ability to construct and test viable strategies (action plans) for interventions, transitions, and transformations toward sustainability. |
Implementation | Ability to put sustainability strategies (action plans) into action, including implementation, adaptation, transfer, and scaling, in effective and efficient ways. |
Inter-personal | Ability to (1) collaborate successfully in inter-disciplinary and professional teams and (2) involve diverse stakeholders in meaningful and effective ways in advancing sustainability transformations. |
Intra-personal | Ability to avoid personal health challenges and burnout in advancing sustainability transformations through resilience-oriented self-care (awareness and self-regulation). |
Integration | Ability to apply collective problem-solving procedures to complex sustainability problems (1) to develop viable sustainability strategies (action plans) and (2) successfully implement them. |
SC Competency | Authors Contributing to the SC Framework (Research and Development) |
---|---|
Systems-thinking | Connell et al. [36], Sandri [37], Gray [38], Levy et al. [39], Schuler et al. [40], Mahaffy et al. [41] |
Futures-thinking | Withycombe [42], Gardiner and Rieckmann [43], Ojala [44] |
Values-thinking | Remington-Doucette et al. [45], Verma et al. [46], Komasinkski and Ishimura [47] |
Strategies-thinking | de Haan [48], Wesselink et al. [49], Fukushima et al. [50] |
Implementation | de Haan [48], Perez Salgado et al. [51], Schank and Rieckmann [52] |
Inter-personal | Ulrich [53], Brundiers and Wiek [54], Sarpin et al. [55] |
Intra-personal | Glasser [56], Lozano et al. [16], Giangrande et al. [57] |
Integration | Jegstad and Sinnes [58], Hull et al. [59], Wiek et al. [60] |
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. |
© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
MacNeil, P.; Khare, A. Adopting Sustainability Competencies in Management Education—A Scoping Review of Progress. Standards 2025, 5, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/standards5020013
MacNeil P, Khare A. Adopting Sustainability Competencies in Management Education—A Scoping Review of Progress. Standards. 2025; 5(2):13. https://doi.org/10.3390/standards5020013
Chicago/Turabian StyleMacNeil, Patricia, and Anshuman Khare. 2025. "Adopting Sustainability Competencies in Management Education—A Scoping Review of Progress" Standards 5, no. 2: 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/standards5020013
APA StyleMacNeil, P., & Khare, A. (2025). Adopting Sustainability Competencies in Management Education—A Scoping Review of Progress. Standards, 5(2), 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/standards5020013