Integrating sustainability into business and management studies in higher education

Abstract

This research investigates the crucial realm of sustainability education in university-level business and management studies. The main objective is to identify the main factors influencing sustainability learning and to establish a framework to guide universities in successfully integrating sustainability education into business and management degrees. Thus equipping students with the knowledge and skills based on sustainable business practices in their future professional careers. Through an exploratory factor analysis of 37 learning approaches for sustainability, this article determines six key actions that universities should undertake to effectively teach sustainability. These actions are Active on- and off-campus experiences, Promotion of students’ leadership, Leisure and engagement, Institutional sustainability involvement, Academic programmes adaptation, and Professional knowledge and experience transfer. The proposed framework supports a basis for action for universities to ensure graduates are prepared to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability in their future working career.