Case Study by ZHAW SML Faculty Published in Stanford Social Innovation Review
Faculty from the ZHAW School of Management and Law (SML) have published a new case study in the renowned Stanford Social Innovation Review – a leading international journal on responsible leadership and societal transformation.
The article, titled “How One Energy Company Committed to Green an Entire Country”, shows how E.ON Italia used purpose not merely as a statement on the wall, but as a strategic leadership instrument to drive deep organisational change—with impact far beyond the boundaries of the company. The article introduces a four-step model that demonstrates how companies can translate shared purpose into a movement—achieving lasting cultural transformation and societal impact.

“The case shows how a company can evolve into a movement – where strategic purpose becomes a vehicle for organizational change and societal momentum.”
Prof. Marco Clemente, co-author and Co-Director of the ZHAW Zurich Center for Sustainability Leadership
“It also highlights the importance of working closely with senior leadership – especially when it comes to developing entrepreneurial responses to the grand challenges of our time. Our mission is to develop Global Leaders with Responsible Impact – and this case shows what becomes possible when leadership, culture, and societal responsibility align.” Prof. Fredrik Hacklin, Director of the Department of International Business at ZHAW SML
The case study was authored by Prof. Marco Clemente (ZHAW Zurich Center for Sustainability Leadership), Prof. Fredrik Hacklin (ZHAW School of Management and Law), Prof. Brayden King (Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University), and Amy Klopfenstein (Darden School of Business, University of Virginia).
The authors extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Frank Meyer (former CEO) and Luca Conti (current CEO), as well as the entire E.ON Italia team, for their inspiring collaboration—and to the editorial team at Stanford Social Innovation Review for their constructive support throughout the publication process.
Contact
Prof. Marco Clemente, ZHAW School of Management and Law
Phone: +41 (0) 58 934 66 76
E-mail: marco.clemente@zhaw.ch
Prof. Fredrik Hacklin, ZHAW School of Management and Law
Phone: +41 (0) 58 934 66 71
E-mail: fredrik.hacklin@zhaw.ch