Profile of a Sustainable Manager from the Perspective of Pro-Ecological and Pro-Social Management of Energy Company

Arnold Pabian,Barbara Pabian

doi:10.3390/en15041363

Abstract

The objective of the paper is to present an original (own) concept of a model profile of a sustainable manager from the sustainability perspective and then confront this model profile with the opinions of managers employed in energy companies. This problem domain has not been reflected in the scientific literature. Sustainable managers are the ones who are fully prepared to implement the principles of sustainability in energy companies, respecting the principles of sustainable management. Their activity can, to a considerable extent, accelerate sustainable development. According to the model profile, a sustainable manager should be sensitive to ecological and social problems; be knowledgeable about sustainability and demand the same from subordinates; comply with ethical standards; implement pro-environmental and pro-social innovations; and also plan, organize, motivate, and control the contribution, in this way, to sustainable development. Research was conducted aimed at discovering the views/opinions of energy companies’ managers pertaining to the above-specified model profile of a sustainable manager. As the research demonstrates, managers assign various significance to the analyzed traits and actions. The largest number of managers recognized the following to be the most important for them: compliance with ethical standards (86.1%), planning and organizing in accordance with the principles of sustainable development (52.8%), and being knowledgeable about sustainable development (38.9%). The paper contributes to the trait theory of leadership and the theory of sustainable management. It is also of practical value—it can prove useful in the processes of educating, recruiting, and evaluating sustainable managers.

Highlights

Published: 14 February 2022The growing number of ecological and social problems deteriorates the condition of our planet, creating a threat to future generations’ existence
The paper contributes to the trait theory of leadership and the theory of sustainable management
The objective of the paper is to present an original concept of a model profile of a sustainable manager from the sustainability perspective, and confront this model profile with the opinions of managers employed in energy companies

Summary

Introduction

The growing number of ecological and social problems deteriorates the condition of our planet, creating a threat to future generations’ existence. The majority of producers and consumers, in the energy sector, ignores the threats resulting from a deteriorating condition of the Earth and its diminishing potential. They behave as if they live in the world without any boundaries. They exploit excessively natural resources, consume energy and water, and pollute the environment. This is confirmed by research showing that corporate involvement in the sustainable development goals is still limited. Sustainable development does not keep pace with the rate and scale of growing ecological and social problems

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