Mid Sweden University

Purpose

Universities can potentially function as key actors, facilitators, and leaders in the needed transition towards a sustainable and regenerative future – both globally and locally. However, both the challenges ahead, as for instance articulated in the 2030 Agenda, and universities as systems, are inherently complex. That calls for new ways of leading change and organizational learning, in sharp contrast to traditional mechanistic ways of command-and-control. In short, it calls for creating space and conditions for the emergence of new patterns, relationships, mindsets, and actions that do not harm, but are conducive to life. The purpose of this paper is to contribute with knowledge about how to create space for the emergence of collective learning and action for sustainable development within a university. 

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on action research conducted in partnership with “the network for sustainable development” at Mid Sweden University. It centers around a two-day workshop with organizational leaders and employees from across the university.

Findings

The paper presents an applied approach for facilitating and creating space for emergence of collective learning and action for sustainable development. It is an approach using the 4D-cycle of Appreciative Inquiry as the foundation - refined, modified and complemented to match the context of a Nordic university.

Originality/value

The insights and practices in this paper could be seen as a bridge between traditional and modern approaches to leading and facilitating learning organizations – potentially giving the study a unique angle on a practical, widespread challenge: succeeding with leading change and organizational learning in complex living systems.