Governance von Nachhaltigkeit an Hochschulen – eine Entwicklung ohne Optimum

Based on empirical findings from eleven German higher education institutions (HEI), the article demonstrates the relevance of organizational culture for sustainability governance in HEI. Four cultural orientations stand out: the perceived purpose of the higher education institution, the conception of sustainability, the perceived relevance and scope of organizational change, and the attribution of responsibility for SD. Whether and to what extent optimization is envisaged as part of the development process thus becomes a matter of negotiation among stakeholders. Consequently, it appears inappropriate to judge sustainability processes in HEI against a common optimum.