İNALKAÇ, Yakup (2025) "From Awareness to Action: Evaluating SME Sustainability Training in Türkiye Through a Transformative Learning Framework". Master thesis, Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE).
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Abstract
This research focuses on the sustainability transformation learning processes of SMEs in Türkiye. In this context, how ecosystem actors implement sustainability training is evaluated through the lens of Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory (TLT). The study was conducted using a qualitative method, with semi-structured interviews with ten organizations from six different structures. The data obtained was analyzed with Atlas.ti software; in addition to the pre-defined codes corresponding to the ten stages in the Transformative Learning framework, new themes and codes created according to the information obtained from the field during the interviews were also included in the analysis. The findings showed that the initial theory based stages were implemented by most organizations, but the later, practice based stages (e.g. skills acquisition, role testing, integration) were either not implemented or conditionally implemented by organizations. The factors that influence the training process are the method of implementation, the participant profile, the simplicity of the language used in the trainings and the competence of the trainers. Both general economic uncertainty and SMEs' concerns about their own financial situation stand out as factors limiting the learning process; in addition, lack of coordination between institutions can negatively affect the transformation process. In line with the findings, five main policy recommendations have been developed: (1) expanding applied training, (2) strengthening model factories with sustainability content and expanding this structure, (3) establishing a national strategic framework that takes into account regional differences, (4) training and accreditation of trainers, (5) designing actions to encourage the active participation of business owners in the transformation process. This study contributes to the literature as the first study in Türkiye to show the level of implementation of sustainability training using Transformative Learning Theory (TLT).
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Name supervisor: | Zwitter, A.J. |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Jul 2025 07:44 |
| Last Modified: | 14 Jul 2025 07:44 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/691 |
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