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Stories of  the Ecological Roots of Leadership. 

Nature in Charge: Ecological Awareness & Leadership 

Affiliation: MSc Organizational Psychology, Department of Leadership & Organizational Behaviour, BI Norwegian Business School
Supervisor: Lina Daouk-Öyry, PhD
Ethics: SIKT-approved data collection (Dec 2024); GDPR-compliant

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Organizational Psychology

ORIENTATION

1. About the Study

​How do early and/or essential experiences in nature shape worldviews, and who we become as leaders, organizers, collaborator-in-chief, and change-makers?


This study explores the developmental roots of ecological awareness and how people bring ecological worldviews (such as an eco-centric worldview) into practice — whether through formal (and informal) leadership roles, through activism, or by taking action for nature in other ways.

Through narrative interviews (BNIM), I invite participants to share life stories of formative experiences in nature, values, and critical moments that have shaped their path.

By focusing on storytelling, the research seeks to understand how these experiences influence leadership, decision-making, culture, and approaches to sustainability within organizations and communities. 

SELECTION

2. Who am I looking for?

I am inviting leaders, organizers, and initiators who:

  • Have a strong connection to nature, place, or ecological systems in their life. And give this connection a voice.

  • Bring environmental, regenerative, or social concerns into their work — or are curious about doing so

  • Hold responsibility for creating direction, collaboration, or change (in organizations, communities, or initiatives)

  • Can reflect on early or formative experiences with the natural world, and how these may have influenced their worldview, leadership style, or decision-making

Examples of participants: managers and leaders in business or public sector, NGO facilitators, community organizers, educators, farmers, artists, or activists.

ABOUT ME

3. About the researcher

My name is Martin, MSc candidate in Organizational Psychology. I bring with me into this Master's thesis two decades of experience in direct action environmental activism, facilitating leading European environmental movements, organizational leadership, and work across companies, NGOs, and arts-based initiatives. My research focuses on ecological identity in leadership and regenerative organizational practice. 

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HELP SPREAD THE WORD

4. Share With Others

Do you have someone in your network who may also be a good candidate to participate and help me with the research, you are warmly invited to share this page link with them:

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 https://www.naturligpsykologi.no/research

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The study uses snowball sampling, a common research method where participants can recommend others with relevant experiences. This could help bring together a diverse range of leaders and organizers whose voices might otherwise not be heard.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

5. What participation involves

Your reflections will remain confidential and anonymized in the final thesis.

Step 1:

Step 1: Fill in a short online survey and send in consent form (approx. 5 minutes).

Step 2:

Step 2: Take part in an online or in-person semi structured, interview with me (45–60 minutes).

Step 3:

Step 3: (Optional) Review a transcript of your interview for accuracy.

THE IMPACT OF YOUR VOICE

6. Why it matters

Your story might help build a richer picture of how leaders describe the role of nature in their personal and professional lives. This research may inform leadership development programs, organizational culture, and future ecological practices.

PRACTICAL INFO

7. Practical details

  • Confidentiality: Your name and personal details will not appear in the thesis. All responses will be anonymized.

  • Data handling: No material from the interviews will be uploaded to AI services or shared outside the research context. Transcriptions and data are handled securely according to academic and Norwegian Research standards.

  • Time required: 50–70 minutes total.

  • Languages: English (Preferred), Norwegian, German, Danish.

  • Researcher: Martin Reinholtz, Master’s student in Organizational Psychology.

  • A copy of the Thesis will be sent to you when the research finalized

READY TO PARTICIPATE?

8. Consent & Next Steps

​If you would like to participate, please read the Information sheet and complete the consent form (send to S1210585@BI.no). I will contact you to schedule the interview.

1) Info & Consent

2) Take the short survey

Please read the Information sheet and fill out the consent form and send to S1210585@BI.no. 

QUESTIONS?

9. Contact

Feel free to reach out to me at:
📧 S1210585@Bi.no = Martin (Confidential Student Email Adress)

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