Sustainability Efforts and Importance of Change Management

Dear Colleagues,

Change management and sustainability are intertwined. Successfully integrating sustainability into an organization's operations requires a structured approach to managing the changes that come with adopting more environmentally and socially responsible practices.

Sustainability efforts not only benefit the environment and societies but can also lead to increased efficiency and reduced costs and can improve the reputation of corporations. But sustainability efforts of corporations, whether private, public or third sector, can be significantly affected by change management strategies. How change is managed can therefore have a significant impact on sustainability initiatives within corporations. Sustainability refers to the practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This involves finding ways to responsibly operate environmentally, socially, and economically. Change management refers to a structured approach a corporation uses to transition individuals, teams, and the corporation as a whole from a current state to a desired future state. This can involve changes in processes, technologies, structures, and even cultures. The Topic will address a systemic approach to understanding and, more importantly, describe specific actions undertaken when implementing sustainability efforts.

This Topic will focus on the joint efforts of business and policymaking as enablers of preparing and leading changes. It will draw upon key thinkers in business, public policy, and social scientists to analyze concrete situations and approaches for successful sustainability efforts. The objectives are to highlight specific issues, explain their significance, and demonstrate how managing changes have positive and potentially negative consequences, along with thoughts on implementing change and highlighting the types of changes necessary for change management.

We encourage the submission of contributions that explore the relationship between sustainability and change management in a corporate context. Studies are welcome whether they focus on the public or private sector. Submissions may fit under one of the following broad themes, which are meant to be indicative and not exhaustive. We are open to theoretical and empirical papers, using qualitative or quantitative research methods, which address topics such as:

1. Cultural Shift: Improving sustainability often requires a shift in organizational culture and mindset. Change management methodologies help facilitate this shift by involving employees, aligning values, and promoting a sense of ownership and commitment to sustainability goals, such as the SDGs.
2. Behavioral Change: Sustainable practices usually require changes in behavior and daily operations. Change management strategies help employees understand the reasons behind these changes, address resistance, and provide the necessary training and support to adopt new behaviors.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Sustainability initiatives often involve various stakeholders, both internal (employees, managers) and external (customers, suppliers, communities). Change management techniques can be used to engage these stakeholders effectively, ensuring their support and participation in sustainability efforts.
4. Communication: Effective communication is crucial for change management and sustainability. Clear communication helps employees understand the need for sustainable practices, the benefits, and how their individual efforts contribute to larger goals.
5. Adaptation to Regulations: Sustainability practices are influenced by regulations and industry standards, which can change over time. Change management strategies assist organizations in adapting to these changing requirements effectively.
6. Innovation and Technology Adoption: Sustainability often involves adopting new technologies and innovative practices. Change management helps organizations navigate the challenges of adopting these new tools and methods.
7. Long-Term Integration: Sustainability is a long-term endeavor. Change management ensures that sustainable practices are not just short-term projects but are integrated into the organization's core values and operations.
8. Measuring and Monitoring: Change management methodologies emphasize setting measurable goals and monitoring progress. This aligns with sustainability efforts, requiring tracking and reporting on environmental and social performance.
9. Risk Management: Sustainability risks, such as supply chain disruptions due to environmental factors, can be managed through effective change management strategies that enhance an organization's agility and resilience.
10. Continuous Improvement: Both change management and sustainability involve a commitment to continuous improvement. They are iterative processes that require organizations to learn, adapt, and evolve.

Submission procedure
The Abstract submission deadline is 26 April 2024.
The Manuscript submission deadline is 26 June 2024

Manuscripts should be submitted online. Authors’ registration and access will be available at: https://www.mdpi.com/topics/AVGW3801JM, starting from 1st September 2023.

When submitting your manuscript, you will be asked to specify whether it is for a regular issue or one of the named Special Issues, so please select the “Sustainability Efforts and Importance of Change Management” option. The format of the papers must follow Sustainability’s submission guidelines.

Submitted papers should not have been previously published or be currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. All papers will be reviewed in accordance with Sustainability’s standard single-blind review process.

Prof. Dr. Throstur Olaf Sigurjonsson
Prof. Dr. José Manuel Ruano de la Fuente
Topic Editors