Developing Sustainability Communities of Practice (CoPs) from Wallonia to Flanders taking into account Regional and Cultural Differences. The case of 2030

Details

Supervisors

Swaen, Valérie ; Courtois, Sabrina

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

This master’s thesis aims to answer the following question: ‘How can Sustainability Communities of Practice (CoPs) develop from Wallonia to Flanders taking into account regional and cultural differences?’. The focus of this study is on the organization 2030, a CoP aimed at promoting sustainable business practices among Belgian CEOs and board members. Emerging from a Walloon initiative in 2020, the organization seeks to broaden its impact. To this end, a literature review first addresses several topics related to the problematic. Firstly, the concept of Sustainability CoPs is explored, focusing on their characteristics, boundaries, the implications of growth and the influence of cultural and regional differences. Secondly, the differences between Wallonia and Flanders are examined. Both regions recognize the need for sustainable development but are influenced by their respective socio-economic structures, historical backgrounds, and governance models. The literature review allows us to break down the problematic into several key questions: why sustainability CoPs would consider developing to other cultural groups, how regional and cultural differences influence perceptions of sustainability, how CoPs can create conditions that facilitate growth strategies, and what the projected outcomes of these strategies are. To explore these elements, qualitative research is conducted, involving thirteen semi-structured interviews with members of the 2030 organization, other organizations within its ecosystem, and Flemish non-members. From the research, we find that significant cultural differences between Flemish and Walloon regions affect perceptions and practices of sustainability. Strategies for successful expansion include emphasizing a unified Belgian identity, highlighting the unique value of 2030 in terms of key performance indicators (KPIs), maintaining clear communication in English, and leveraging the existing network of engaged members. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how CoPs can navigate cultural and regional differences to expand their reach and impact. Altogether, it can be concluded that recognizing and addressing these differences allows CoPs like 2030 to foster a more inclusive and effective approach to sustainability, ultimately contributing to broader societal and environmental goals. This thesis provides both theoretical insights and practical recommendations for promoting sustainable business practices across diverse cultural contexts.