What sustainability competencies are Background. Sustainability refers to a company’s ability to make a profit without sacrificing the resources of its employees, community, and the environment. A growing number of companies have made sustainability an important part of their business strategy.
Purpose: Our research objective was to conduct exploratory research on the sustainability competencies that employers are looking for when recruiting new employees. Our reseach question was: what sustainability competencies are needed today by employers to meet their organization's social and environmental sustainability goals? To answer this, we conducted an exploratory, qualitative study with employers in the UAE.
Methodology: We conducted 3 focus groups and 3 individual interviews, with a total of 10 HR or sustainability managers in 10 organisations in the UAE. We recorded and then transcribed the interviews, and then we used thematic content analysis to identify the main competencies.
Results: Our preliminary analysis shows that the 10 most important sustainability competencies in order of importance are: presentation skills, technological skills, critical thinking and analysis, specific industry knowledge, ability to impact/influence, execution/implementation, complex problem solving, change management, leadership and innovation management/creative thinking.
Originality: This article expands our knowledge on the sustainability comptencies needed by todays’ employers in the UAE. This research will help educational institutions develop graduates with needed sustainability competencies.
e employers looking for? An exploratory study in the UAE

Authors:
Marie Waxin, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Sandra L. Knuteson, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Rose Armour, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Marie Waxin is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at American University of Sharjah in France

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