When values meet expectations : A qualitative study on the importance of leadership for credibility in the organization's sustainability work

Date: 2025-05-27 Level: Bachelor/Master thesis in Business Administration, 15 cr Institution: School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University Authors: Anton Kvist Wilma Westergren Larsen (01/03/14) (98/11/14) Title: When values meet expectations - a qualitative study on the role of leadership in building credibility within organizational sustainability work Supervisor: Jan Karlsson Keywords: Sustainability leadership, Legitimacy, Transparency, Normative ethics, Institutional theory, Stakeholder expectations Research questions: (1) How do leaders perceive their role in driving the organization’s sustainability efforts based on internal values and external expectations? (2) What perceived challenges and opportunities do leaders encounter then translating sustainability goals into practical action within the organization? Purpose: This study aims to investigate how leaders perceive their role in organizational sustainability and how they manage the practical implementation of sustainability goals in response to internal values and external demands. Method: A qualitative research design was applied, using semi-structured interviews with organizational leaders. The material was analyzed through thematic analysis. Conclusion: The study concludes that leadership is key to translation sustainability values into credible and consistent practice that meets both internal and external expectations.