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Sustainable Organization Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 February 2026 | Viewed by 6173

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Doctoral School of Economic and Regional Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllo, Hungary
Interests: sustainable management; entrepreneurial leadership; digital transformation; applied data science; sustainability

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Guest Editor
Department of Health Information Management and Technology, King Faisal University, AlAHasa 31982, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Interests: management information systems; business informatics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In an era marked by pressing environmental concerns, social inequalities, and economic uncertainties, the role of organizations in fostering sustainable development has never been more critical. Simultaneously, the need for innovative, adaptable, and forward-thinking leadership approaches has become increasingly apparent. This Special Issue of Sustainability seeks to explore the dynamic interplay between sustainable organization management and entrepreneurial leadership, two concepts that are increasingly recognized as crucial for navigating the complex challenges of the 21st century.

We invite submissions that address a wide range of topics related to sustainable organization management and entrepreneurial leadership, including, but not limited to:

  1. Strategies for integrating sustainability principles into organizational management practices;
  2. The role of entrepreneurial leadership in driving sustainable innovation within organizations;
  3. Case studies of organizations successfully balancing sustainability goals with entrepreneurial growth;
  4. The impact of sustainable management practices on organizational performance and competitiveness;
  5. Developing and nurturing a culture of sustainability and entrepreneurship within organizations;
  6. The challenges and opportunities of implementing sustainable business models in various industries;
  7. The role of technology and digital transformation in enabling sustainable organization management;
  8. Measuring and reporting on sustainability performance in entrepreneurial ventures;
  9. The influence of stakeholder expectations on sustainable management practices and entrepreneurial decision-making;
  10. Education and skill development for sustainable entrepreneurship and leadership;
  11. Policy frameworks and governance structures that support sustainable organization management;
  12. The role of social entrepreneurship in addressing sustainability challenges;
  13. Sustainable supply chain management in entrepreneurial contexts;
  14. Financing strategies for sustainable ventures and initiatives;
  15. The intersection of circular economy principles with entrepreneurial leadership.

We welcome empirical research, theoretical papers, literature reviews, and case studies that contribute to our understanding of how organizations can effectively manage sustainability imperatives while fostering entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged, as are papers that offer practical insights for practitioners, policymakers, and educators in the fields of sustainability and entrepreneurship.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of how organizations are adapting their management practices to meet sustainability goals, the leadership approaches that are proving most effective in this context, and the innovative strategies being employed to create value while addressing environmental and social challenges. By bringing together diverse perspectives and research approaches, we hope to advance both theoretical understanding and practical knowledge in this critical and rapidly evolving field.

We look forward to your contributions to this important discourse on sustainable organization management and entrepreneurial leadership.

Dr. Saeed Nosratabadi
Dr. Thabit Qasem Awad Atobishi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable organization management
  • entrepreneurial leadership
  • sustainable innovation
  • corporate sustainability
  • social entrepreneurship
  • sustainable business models
  • organizational culture
  • sustainability performance
  • circular economy
  • sustainable value creation

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 1089 KiB  
Article
Servitization as a Circular Economy Strategy: A Brazilian Tertiary Packaging Industry for Logistics and Transportation
by Alexandre Fernandes Andrade, Heloisa Candia Hollnagel and Fernando de Almeida Santos
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6492; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146492 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 409
Abstract
Leadership is essential for promoting the circular economy (CE) by fostering systemic thinking, promoting resource efficiency, and driving innovative practices that close material loops and minimize environmental impact. In addition, the principles of CE recommend changing production chains to balance economic development, sustainability, [...] Read more.
Leadership is essential for promoting the circular economy (CE) by fostering systemic thinking, promoting resource efficiency, and driving innovative practices that close material loops and minimize environmental impact. In addition, the principles of CE recommend changing production chains to balance economic development, sustainability, and social well-being. This study examines a tertiary packaging company’s circular economy implementation, by using a framework and a circular business model canvas (CBMC) and by identifying the challenges and opportunities for improving environmental management. The method was a participatory research case study using interviews and frameworks. In the context of this company, servitization in logistics was highlighted as an alternative to overcome growth challenges and to add value; however, the company faces significant challenges in implementing it. In addition, it is necessary to increase consciousness among those involved about the concept of the CE and its benefits to improve operational efficiency and review product design to expand environmental management. This research concludes that servitization (as a circular economy strategy), environmental education, and innovation practices can help companies achieve greater financial performance in the packaging industry and contribute to sustainable development goals—SDG achievements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Organization Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership)
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21 pages, 476 KiB  
Article
Ethical Entrepreneurial Leadership and Corporate Sustainable Development: A Resource-Based View of Competitive Advantage in Small and Medium Enterprises
by Thabit Atobishi and Szilard Podruzsik
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6109; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136109 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 434
Abstract
This study investigates the relationships between entrepreneurial leadership skills (ELSs), ethical entrepreneurial leadership (EEL), corporate sustainable development (CSD), and competitive advantage (CA) in SMEs. Drawing on resource-based view theory, we examine whether entrepreneurial capabilities and ethical practices jointly contribute to sustainability and competitive [...] Read more.
This study investigates the relationships between entrepreneurial leadership skills (ELSs), ethical entrepreneurial leadership (EEL), corporate sustainable development (CSD), and competitive advantage (CA) in SMEs. Drawing on resource-based view theory, we examine whether entrepreneurial capabilities and ethical practices jointly contribute to sustainability and competitive positioning. Data from 312 SME leaders across manufacturing, services, technology, and trading sectors were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Results reveal that ELSs foster EEL (β = 0.684, p < 0.001) and enhance CSD (β = 0.453, p < 0.001). EEL significantly affects CSD (β = 0.527, p < 0.001) and partially mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial skills and sustainability (indirect effect = 0.361). CSD strongly enhances CA (β = 0.612, p < 0.001). The findings demonstrate that integrating entrepreneurial capabilities with ethical leadership creates foundations for sustainable development and CA in resource-constrained environments. This research extends entrepreneurial leadership theory by showing complementarity between entrepreneurial and ethical orientations, advances sustainability theory by revealing ethical leadership’s mediating role, and enriches RBV by demonstrating how intangible leadership capabilities generate CA when traditional resources are scarce. Practical implications include developing integrated leadership programs and sustainability frameworks for emerging economy SMEs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Organization Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership)
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17 pages, 247 KiB  
Article
Leadership and Entrepreneurship in Education and Their Impact on the Management of Sustainable Educational Environments
by Andrea Gracia-Zomeño, Eduardo García-Toledano, Ramón García-Perales and Ascensión Palomares-Ruiz
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2911; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072911 - 25 Mar 2025
Viewed by 576
Abstract
The role of leadership and entrepreneurship in teaching is key to the management of sustainable educational environments, promoting inclusive and innovative teaching. This quantitative, cross-sectional study seeks to explore education professionals’ perceptions of their leadership, entrepreneurship, and empowerment capacities in education based on [...] Read more.
The role of leadership and entrepreneurship in teaching is key to the management of sustainable educational environments, promoting inclusive and innovative teaching. This quantitative, cross-sectional study seeks to explore education professionals’ perceptions of their leadership, entrepreneurship, and empowerment capacities in education based on a validated questionnaire applied to 623 education professionals. The results reveal that women, teachers in management positions, and those who are older and more and experienced perceive their skills in these areas to be better than those of men, classroom teachers, and those with less professional experience. However, gaps in teacher training in leadership and entrepreneurship have been identified, which hinders the implementation of effective strategies for educational transformation. In conclusion, there is a need to strengthen teacher training in entrepreneurship, leadership, and empowerment and establish educational policies that favor innovation, collaborative work, and the consolidation of inclusive and sustainable pedagogical practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Organization Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership)
18 pages, 703 KiB  
Article
Sustainability Pressures Unveiled: Navigating the Role of Organizational Sustainable Culture in Promoting Sustainability Performance
by Farman Ullah Khan and Daniel Badulescu
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031322 - 6 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1557
Abstract
In today’s dynamic world, environmental issues are increasing alarmingly. Consequently, improving sustainability performance has become a critical priority. This study fills a significant research gap by examining the relationships between external environmental factors, organizational sustainable culture, and sustainable performance. Importantly, this study investigates [...] Read more.
In today’s dynamic world, environmental issues are increasing alarmingly. Consequently, improving sustainability performance has become a critical priority. This study fills a significant research gap by examining the relationships between external environmental factors, organizational sustainable culture, and sustainable performance. Importantly, this study investigates the mediating role of organizational culture between external environmental factors (customer pressure, regulatory pressure, government support, environmental uncertainty) and green performance. Questionnaire data from 214 personnel from manufacturing organizations in China were collected, and Smart PLS 4.0 was used for analysis. The results reveal that all external environmental factors significantly influence organizational culture. In addition, the organizational culture significantly mediates the relationships between external environmental factors and green performance. This study contributes to understanding how external factors shape organizational culture, subsequently influencing sustainable performance. This study offers a new perspective on the indirect role corporate culture plays in environmental outcomes. Policymakers and managers should foster a sustainable work culture to address external demands for green performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Organization Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership)
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Review

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19 pages, 1641 KiB  
Review
Entrepreneurial Orientation in Social Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda
by Fernando Rey Castillo-Villar, Judith Cavazos-Arroyo and Krystel K. Castillo-Villar
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030816 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2569
Abstract
This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in social entrepreneurship to clarify theoretical boundaries, integrate diverse findings, and identify research gaps. The “Theory–Context–Characteristics–Methodology” (TCCM) framework is adopted to analyze 81 articles on EO in social entrepreneurship. The [...] Read more.
This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in social entrepreneurship to clarify theoretical boundaries, integrate diverse findings, and identify research gaps. The “Theory–Context–Characteristics–Methodology” (TCCM) framework is adopted to analyze 81 articles on EO in social entrepreneurship. The review reveals that the field remains fragmented due to diverse theoretical and empirical contributions. The study highlights the need for future research to adapt theoretical perspectives to understand EO’s unique and hybrid aspects in social entrepreneurship, expand empirical research into under-represented geographical areas, conduct more longitudinal and qualitative studies to track changes in EO over time, and explore new variables that can further our understanding of EO in social entrepreneurship. The novelty of this study lies in the application of the TCCM framework to systematically analyze the literature on EO in social entrepreneurship. This framework facilitates the organization and evaluation of theoretical underpinnings, methodologies, contexts, and variables to identify relevant research gaps and future directions on the topic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Organization Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership)
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