Navigating Power Dynamics in Sustainability Transformation: Extending Integration Mechanisms Across Organizational Boundaries

Jonathan H. Westover ()
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Jonathan H. Westover: School of Business, Western Governors University, 4001 S 700 E #300, Millcreek, UT 84107, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-29

Abstract: This study extends research on sustainability transformation by investigating how power dynamics operate across organizational boundaries to enable or constrain substantive change. Using a mixed-methods approach combining survey data ( n = 127) from sustainability professionals across multiple sectors and in-depth interviews ( n = 18) with transformation leaders, this research identifies how organizations address power asymmetries in supply chains and multi-stakeholder partnerships. Exploratory statistical analysis indicates that inter-organizational power mobilization is associated with the effectiveness of integration mechanisms (β = 0.36, p < 0.01), with digital transparency tools showing the strongest association with integration across boundaries (β = 0.41, p < 0.01). Qualitative findings reveal three critical pathways for addressing power dynamics: technological transparency mechanisms, collaborative governance structures, and capability building networks. The research contributes to sustainability science by advancing understanding of how organizations can move beyond internal transformation to address systemic sustainability challenges through approaches that consider power relationships across organizational boundaries. The findings offer preliminary guidance for practitioners seeking to enhance sustainability impact through strategic management of inter-organizational power dynamics.

Keywords: sustainability transformation; power dynamics; organizational boundaries; digital transparency; collaborative governance; capability building; multi-stakeholder partnerships; mixed-methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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