Prof. Dr. Angelina Taneva-Veshoska
Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering, and Energy, Skopje, N.Macedonia. angelina@iege.edu.mk
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Slavica Trajkovska
Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering, and Energy, Skopje, N.Macedonia. slavica.trajkovska@iege.edu.mk
Ana Tomikj
Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering, and Energy, Skopje, N.Macedonia. ana.tomik@iege.edu.mk
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the process of creating sustainability leaders through specialised educational program. This research assesses the short and long-term impact of the educational program “Sustainability Leadership“ that was implemented in three countries (North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Lithuania) with over 50 professionals.
Survey research was conducted through interviews with participants who have been a part of the program “Sustainability Leadership” in three countries. The research presents how the program has changed the participant’s professional orientation and career progress in the field of sustainability and assesses their role as sustainability leaders in their environment. Moreover, the research analyse the content and the quality of the specialised educational program and proposes learning paths, methods, and techniques in creating sustainability leaders.
The results from the research present the benefits of this educational program and the impact it has on the participants and their organisations. This research provides in-depth analysis of the program “Sustainability Leadership“ and assess the introduction of different mindset and new behaviours in the participant’s organisation. The holistic approach of the program allows sustainability leaders to manage complexity, communicate their vision, propose new challenges and think long term in the process of creating economic sustainability.
This paper contributes to the field by offering support and new findings. This research adds to the body of literature in what is considered a relatively new and innovative educational program that can be implemented in other countries.
Keywords: Economics, Management, Leadership, Education, Sustainability, Organizations.