Sustainability Leadership and Employee Satisfaction in Small  and Medium-sized Enterprises : An Exploratory Study in Germany and Sweden

Sammanfattning: This research explored the relationship between sustainability leadership practices and employeesatisfaction in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany and Swede. The objective was toinvestigate how sustainability leadership practices influenced employee satisfaction within the context ofSMEs. Ten interviews were conducted with employees and managers in first-line and middle managementpositions from diverse industries across Sweden and Germany. The study aimed to gather employees'perceptions of leadership and management behaviors, practices, and outcomes within their organizationsand determine the impact of these practices on employee satisfaction. The findings of this studydemonstrated a positive relationship between the adoption of sustainability leadership practices andemployee satisfaction. Nevertheless, out of the six interviewees who expressed some level ofdissatisfaction, five acknowledged the presence of leadership practices that were consistent with thetheoretical framework of sustainability leadership. These findings enhanced our understanding of therelationship between sustainability leadership and employee satisfaction and offered insights to improveleadership practices and employee satisfaction. The research provided valuable insights for SMEmanagers, employees, and practitioners, highlighting the significance of sustainable leadership practices inenhancing organizational performance and contributing to sustainable development.