Leading Sustainability Transitions (5 op)

Tavoitteet

Student is able to:
- Critically analyze and apply institutional theory to sustainability challenges, demonstrating an understanding of the theoretical framework
- Assess isomorphic trends in organizational sustainability practices
- Evaluate and select appropriate leadership styles for driving sustainability transitions, applying leadership skills to navigate institutional pressures
- Implement strategies to embed sustainability principles into organizational culture, demonstrating mastery in organizational change management
- Develop and communicate sustainable strategies aligned with institutional expectations, showcasing creativity, originality, and high-level communication skills

Oppimateriaali ja suositeltava kirjallisuus

Reading material (examples):

Coorens, E (2024). A practice-based approach for businesses and their CEOs to become regenerative. A practice-based approach for businesses and their CEOs to become regenerative (zenodo.org)
Ketprapakorn, N. & Kantabutra, S. 2022. Toward an organizational theory of sustainability culture. Sustainable production and consumption, 32, pp. 638-654. doi:10.1016/j.spc.2022.05.020 Open access: Toward an organizational theory of sustainability culture - ScienceDirect (laurea.fi)
Muff, K. 2021. Learning from Positive Impact Organizations: A Framework for Strategic Innovation. Sustainability, 13(16), p. 8891. doi:10.3390/su13168891 https://bib.fi/_ZQlmQLinks to an external site. (for the group assignment)
Risi, D., Vigneau, L., Bohn, S. & Wickert, C. 2023. Institutional theory‐based research on corporate social responsibility: Bringing values back in. International journal of management reviews : IJMR, 25(1), pp. 3-23. doi:10.1111/ijmr.12299 Open access: Institutional theory‐based research on corporate social responsibility: Bringing values back in - Risi - 2023 - International Journal of Management Reviews - Wiley Online Library (laurea.fi)


More reading material online in Canvas.

Toteutustapa

Interactive online implementation:

The study unit is conducted online and does not require attendance on campus. The study unit includes scheduled teaching or guidance online, which is not recorded . The study unit includes working in pairs or groups. The study unit requires active participation and commitment to interactive studying. You will receive individual feedback for assignments from the teacher, and working life or peer feedback may also be utilised.

Työelämäyhteistyö ja/tai TKI

Students will bring there own examples

Toteutuksen tärkeät päivämäärät

Based on the degree regulations (2024), the student accepted for the implementation is required to confirm his/her participation by showing activity at the start of the study in the following way:


In order to demonstrate activity, the student must be present at the first contact lesson or notify the teacher in charge of his/her absence to confirm his/her participation in the study. Registration will be rejected if the student does not report his/her absence at the start of the study or the reason for the absence cannot be considered justified. Another student can be taken in his place. The first contact lesson is on the 7th of August at 3.00 pm

Toteutuksen valinnaiset suoritustavat

According to the degree regulations (2024), "Students are entitled to apply for recognition of prior learning regardless of where, when and how the competence has been acquired. ... At Laurea, there are two different procedures for the recognition and accreditation of prior learning: a) accreditation of prior learning (competence acquired in higher education studies at another institution) and b) demonstration of competence (competence acquired in other ways). The recognition and accreditation of prior learning is initiated by the student themselves. The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence. The student is entitled to guidance for the recognition and accreditation of their competence." Further information in the student intranet.

Opiskelijan ajankäyttö ja kuormitus

Workload of the study is measured in a way that to acquire the goal competence of the study, one credit corresponds to an average of 26.7 hours of work done by the student. The actual time needed varies e.g. according to prior competence.

Sisältö ja sen jaksotus

This course is designed to equip current and future leaders with the critical skills necessary to drive sustainable and meaningful change within organizations. Emphasizing academic theory and practical application, the course explores how institutions shape, constrain, and enable sustainability practices across sectors.

Participants will gain a deep understanding of institutional theory and its relevance to contemporary environmental, social, and economic challenges. By examining isomorphic trends—how organizations increasingly resemble one another in their sustainability efforts—learners will critically assess the effectiveness and limitations of these approaches.

A key focus is placed on recognizing and navigating different perspectives on economic growth, including post-growth, degrowth, and green growth paradigms. This awareness fosters a nuanced view of sustainability that challenges conventional assumptions and encourages innovative thinking.

Arviointiasteikko

H-5

Lisätiedot

The study unit corresponds to the requirements of Master's level education.

The quality of the study unit implementation has been assessed and the self-evaluation report is available for example in Canvas