Hybrid realities: the role of EDIB leadership in shaping ESG-aligned behaviour in digitally mediated teams

This study investigates how Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) leadership practices in hybrid teams shape ESG-aligned behaviours and perceived outcomes, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive organisational performance. Using a qualitative case study approach, it draws on twelve semi-structured interviews with leaders across six industries to achieve three objectives: explore current EDIB practices in hybrid leadership, assess how these practices enable or hinder ESG implementation, and identify the most effective strategies for advancing ESG-related goals. Findings show that inclusive communication, flexible work arrangements, and empathetic leadership strongly support the Social pillar of ESG, while Governance and Environmental dimensions remain underdeveloped. Leaders promoting psychological safety and alignment with ESG values appear to generate stronger social impact, although formal structural integration remains limited. This study offers practice-oriented insights and proposes a leadership framework to guide inclusive, values-driven hybrid work environments towards more consistent and context-sensitive ESG alignment, particularly within the Social dimension.