Leadership Engagement and Perceptions of Sustainability Initiatives Within a South African JSE Listed Retailer

Abstract

The contemporary business landscape is witnessing an escalating demand for sustainable practices as organizations globally grapple with environmental and social challenges. Within the South African context, particularly for Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Listed Retailers, the imperative to incorporate sustainability initiatives into business operations is evident. Despite growing awareness, there remains a gap in our understanding of the specific dynamics and challenges involved in the implementation of sustainability initiatives within this sector. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore Sustainability Initiatives within a South African JSE Listed Retailer by the management. This was a qualitative study conducted among 10 managers who were selected purposefully and data were collected using in-depth interviews. Data were transcribed and thematically analysed using NVIVO software. The results underscore the critical significance of leadership involvement in shaping the attitudes and conduct of employees with regard to sustainability. Leadership that proactively promotes and incorporates sustainability principles into its core values fosters the development of a favourable organisational culture. Consequently, this strengthens the commitment, motivation, and buy-in of employees towards sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, the research highlights obstacles that could hinder the effective execution of sustainability practices, including ignorance and resistance to change. The research findings have broader implications than the retailer being studied. They provide valuable insights for organisations worldwide that are attempting to incorporate sustainability into their operations. In a time when organisations are under greater scrutiny to tackle environmental and social issues, it is vital to comprehend the interplay between leadership engagement and employee perceptions in order to cultivate a corporate culture that is both sustainable and accountable.