Scale validation of the “Key Competences in Sustainability” Indicator Tool (KCiS-IT) among business and economics students in seven European HEIs

Purpose This aim of this study is to develop and validate the 25-item “Key Competences in Sustainability” Indicator Tool (KCiS-IT), grounded in the concept of Integrated Problem-Solving Competence (IPSC) as proposed by Wiek et al. (2011, 2016). It evaluates the construct validity of its five competence measures and their applicability to a broader meta-competence, IPSC. The study also evaluates IPSC’s concurrent validity by testing hypothesised pathways, drawing on an adaptation of the Norm-Activation Model. Design/methodology/approach A total of 721 business and economics students from seven higher education institutions across five European member states completed an online questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess the construct validity of its individual and aggregated measures. Additionally, to assess concurrent validity, structural equation modelling was used to test hypothesised pathways involving IPSC and pro-environmental norms and behaviour. Findings Findings confirmed the convergent and discriminant validity of the individual and aggregated construct measures. They also support IPSC’s concurrent validity since it produced a positive direct effect on pro-environmental behaviour and an indirect (strengthening) effect via personal environmental norms. Originality/value In response to global sustainability challenges, this study offers the KCiS-IT as a robust tool for embedding and assessing sustainability competences in higher education, with strong potential for broader use by educators and policymakers.