A Systematic Literature Review on Sustainable Leadership in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Sustainable leadership has emerged as a pivotal concept in higher education institutions (HEIs) as they increasingly align with global sustainability goals. This systematic literature review (SLR) investigates how sustainable leadership is conceptualized, practiced, and measured across HEIs worldwide. Drawing on 11 peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025, the review adopts the PRISMA 2020 framework to guide study selection, analysis, and synthesis. Key themes identified include the influence of transformational and strategic leadership styles, the role of organizational culture and stakeholder engagement, and the impact of institutional policy and governance on sustainability outcomes. The review further highlights theoretical underpinnings such as Sustainable Leadership Theory, Transformational Leadership, Stakeholder Theory, and Upper Echelon Theory. Findings reveal that effective sustainable leadership requires a dynamic balance of vision, cultural sensitivity, participatory governance, and policy alignment. Despite increasing academic attention, gaps remain in longitudinal assessments, regional diversity, and the integration of digital tools in sustainability leadership. The study concludes by proposing future research directions to advance the theoretical, methodological, and contextual understanding of sustainable leadership in HEIs.