Research on sustainability leadership in higher education: a scoping review
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 12 August 2022
Issue publication date: 3 February 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the centrality of leadership to the successful transformation of universities toward sustainability, the literature on the role and practices of sustainability leadership in higher education remains poorly developed. To address this gap, this study aims to develop a conceptual model of sustainability leadership in higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts the scoping review method to review, critique and synthesize relevant literature.
Findings
The resulting model of sustainability leadership in higher education proposes that sustainability leadership in higher education has the potential to transform university practices through reorientation and stewardship of the institutional mission and strengthening the commitment of stakeholders. Sustainability leadership has the potential to create a positive effect on a balanced set of performance indicators, as well as contributing to institutional and societal resilience in the longer term.
Originality/value
Sustainability leadership in higher education should be given prominence in its own right due to the unique organizational context of universities. This study synthesized the current discourse on sustainability leadership in higher education and its distinct attributes toward sustainable development.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: This research was funded by the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD), College of Management, Mahidol University.
Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest in the conduct of this research.
Citation
Aung, P.N. and Hallinger, P. (2023), "Research on sustainability leadership in higher education: a scoping review", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 517-534. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-09-2021-0367
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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