The Role of Leadership in Corporate Sustainability

Sustainability strategies are vital for organizations to ensure long-term success and stability by balancing environmental, social, and economic impacts. These strategies play a decisive role not only in enhancing organizational performance and regulatory compliance but also in supporting voluntary actions for environmental protection (Sharma, 2000). Effectively defining these strategies can meet the requirements related to resource use as well as responsibilities towards society and the environment. In this sense, sustainability can be seen as an increasingly important value for organizations.

In their study, Kiewiet and Vos (2007) emphasized that sustainable business practices have become a necessity for organizations. They pointed out that organizations must now go beyond profit-making to also consider and increasingly accept their environmental and societal impacts.

Having a diverse workforce is important as it can contribute more to organizational activities (Blake, 2015). Diversity and an inclusive environment can be considered critical factors in the effective management of organizational operations (Roberson, 2006). The effective implementation of sustainability strategies within organizations is possible through specific leadership skills. In this context, balanced leadership plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term success of organizations.

It is also worth recalling the JD-R Model, which is meaningfully related to these concepts:

Arnold B. Bakker and Evangelia Demerouti developed the Job Demands-Resources Model (JD-R Model) in 2007. This model examines the balance between job demands and job resources that affect employee well-being and performance. Job demands refer to work obligations that require physical, psychological, or emotional effort, whereas job resources include elements that support employees in achieving their goals. The model proposes that high job demands can lead to burnout, but adequate job resources can offset these negative effects and enhance employee motivation.

Balanced leadership holds a significant place within the context of the JD-R Model. Leaders can reduce burnout and increase motivation by managing employees' job demands while providing sufficient job resources. This approach supports employee well-being and contributes to improving organizational performance.