Relative Importance of Sustainable Development Goals by Q-Sort Evaluation

Abstract

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals offer a comprehensive framework for extensive development actions. The purpose of this study is to explore the patterns of perception of the relative importance of the goals. Although the interrelations between the diversified goals provide a comprehensive approach for decision-makers, the patterns may support effective strategies in the field. The study used a voluntary online survey among 123 business students by the Q-sort ranking method. The analysis identified three characteristic patterns for the relative importance of the goals: (1) global thinkers who prioritize planet-related goals; (2) pathfinders; and (3) human-centric students who prioritize people-related goals. The preference orders suggest the goals that can best improve the acceptance of sustainability actions. Climate change and water are the most relevant calling words for environmental actions, while health, hunger, and poverty are the equivalents for social actions. Collaboration by a partnership is not considered to be among the essential items, but the position of education is encouraging. Understanding the motivations of the respondents can be used for shaping attitudes in line with the policy expectations; moreover, the factor membership can be used as a grouping factor for a broader survey. The resultant factor characteristics can be used as grouping factors for broader surveys aimed at understanding the motivations behind environmentally conscious behavior.