An Exploratory Study of Leadership Role in Driving Sustainable Product Development within Technology Firms

Sammanfattning

Background: Technology firms face growing pressure to integrate sustainability into product development while maintaining innovation speed and competitiveness. The research problem addresses the distinct leadership challenges involved in fostering eco-innovation within these dynamic environments. Purpose: This thesis explores how the leadership role shapes eco-innovation practices through sustainable product development. The theoretical focus is on the interplay between transformational and servant leadership styles as key drivers of sustainability innovation. Method: The methodological approach uses an exploratory qualitative design based on seven semi-structured interviews, guided by a pilot study (Leader Orientation Reflection Instrument). Data analysiswas inspired by Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis to structure empirical material into themes and aggregated dimensions. Results and analysis: The analysis identifies recurring key findings around sustainability framing, direction-setting, trade-off navigation, cross-functional coordination, confidence-building, and capability development. It reveals that balancing visionary strategy (transformational) with empowering support (servant) is crucial for embedding eco-innovation. Conclusions: The main contribution of this study is demonstrating that effective leadership combined strategic direction with enabling stewardship, establishing a conceptual framework with a reciprocal and mutually reinforcing relationship between leadership approaches and sustainable outcomes. Recommendations for future research: Future studies could examine these mechanisms longitudinally and, in more industry-specific settings.