Some parts of this content are currently available in German only.

Sustainability Management Forward looking company management and sustainable development

The research field of Sustainable Management deals with the integration of sustainability principles into management and leadership processes, strategies and organizational structures in order to achieve long-term economic, social and ecological goals. It is based on concepts such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to integrate sustainability into the development of people, organizations and ecosystems.
One focus of our sustainability research is on Enabling Sustainability Behaviour and Sustainability Transformation, with the aim of promoting sustainable development at individual, organizational and systemic levels.

We research how sustainable behavior can be promoted through targeted instruments, educational approaches and strategies. The focus is on psychological, social and cultural influencing factors, as well as the design of effective transformation processes.

These include the adaptation of corporate strategies, the promotion of innovation and the development of governance models that overcome environmental and social challenges. Particular attention is paid to the role of managers and networks as drivers of sustainable change and the combination of behavioral research with change management and innovation promotion.

Research into innovative education and training concepts rounds off this focus. We develop and research effective didactic approaches in education and training in the field of sustainable management (international study weeks, block weeks, sustainability labs, specialist courses on ESG, CAS Sustainable Management)

Selected Projects/Programs

 

Experts in Sustainable Management

Latest Publications

  • Binz, C. A., Ferguson, K. E., Pieper, T. M., & Astrachan, J. H. (2017). Family business goals, corporate citizenship behaviour and firm performance: Disentangling the connections. International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 16(1-2), 34-56.
  • Ebai, Franka Ebob Enow; Hakimi, Parisha & Kaudela-Baum, Stephanie (20.06.2021). Learning from Sustainability Start-up Founders: A Narrative Interview Study. ISPIM - International Society for Professional Innovation Management 2021, Online Conference.
  • Kraner, Jan; Peter, Daniel & Waser, Bruno R. (2025). Prozess- und Operationsmanagement in Wertschöpfungsnetzwerken: Unter spezifischer Berücksichtigung von Digitalisierung, Internationalisierung, Nachhaltigkeit. Zürich: Versus.
  • Kaudela-Baum, Stephanie; Oehri, Isabelle; Werbik, Alexander Reinhold & Windler, Katharina (17.09.2023). Why Create Eco-Innovation? – An Exploration of Ecopreneurial Motives and Actions. CINet Conference 2023, Linz.
  • Scherrer, Sylvie & Astrachan, Claudia (2018). Scherrer, S. & Astrachan Binz, C. (2018). Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Familienunternehmen als Nachhaltigkeitspioniere. In: Altenburger, R. (2018). CSR und Familienunternehmen. Springer Gabler.