This study aims to examine the journey of embedding sustainability within organizational culture in educational institutions, focusing on Ciputra Education. It explores how core values are transformed into sustainable practices by identifying the internalization mechanisms and the key factors that influence the successful implementation of a sustainability corporate culture (SCC).
The research is grounded in the resource-based view (RBV) theory and the 4I framework of organizational learning. It employs a qualitative single-case study approach. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with ten informants and were triangulated with expert reviews to enhance trustworthiness. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo 14 software.
The findings revealed that the SCC internalization mechanism occurred through a systematic learning process of core values – intuiting, interpreting, integrating and institutionalizing. Key internal and external factors influencing this process included founder wisdom, entrepreneurial leadership, quality management systems, human capital, government regulations, information and technology and competition. A comprehensive SCC model emerged by integrating these internalization mechanisms with enabling contextual factors.
The model offers practical guidance for educational leaders in navigating the journey “from values to practice” by fostering sustainability through cultural transformation.
This study contributes a novel approach by integrating RBV and the 4I framework of organizational learning to develop a contextualized SCC model for educational institutions. It positions organizational culture as a strategic, non-replicable resource for long-term sustainability.
