How Sustainable Leadership Can Leverage Sustainable Development

Albérico Travassos Rosário () and Anna Carolina Boechat
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Albérico Travassos Rosário: GOVCOPP–Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Anna Carolina Boechat: IADE–Faculdade de Design, Tecnologia e Comunicação, Universidade Europeia, 1500-210 Lisboa, Portugal

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-27

Abstract: Sustainable leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering long-term economic, social, and environmental development. As businesses increasingly integrate sustainability into their core strategies, leaders must adopt approaches that align profitability with ethical responsibility. This paper explores how sustainable leadership contributes to sustainable development by examining key leadership principles, decision-making frameworks, and corporate strategies. The discussion highlights the shift from short-term financial goals to long-term value creation, emphasising stakeholder engagement, ethical governance, and innovation. By integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, leaders can enhance resilience, drive corporate sustainability initiatives, and positively impact communities. The study also underscores the importance of knowledge sharing, organisational culture, and adaptability in embedding sustainability into business practices. Through a systematic bibliometric literature review, this research provides insights for executives, policymakers, and academics seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability-driven leadership. The findings underscore the necessity of aligning leadership strategies with global sustainability imperatives.

Keywords: sustainable leadership; sustainable development (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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