Barack Obama’s personality is studied to understand how the personality of a leader can contribute to the decision-making process in foreign policy. The study connects literature from foreign policy analysis as well as psychology to contribute with an example of how these two fields of study can be used simultaneously. Barack Obama is examined through the Five-Level Model of personality in order to understand his characteristics and his behavior. Each level of Obama’s personality is analyzed in regard to the decision to use air strikes towards the terrorist organization Daesh in Syria. The findings show that Obama prefer softer and more peaceful tactics, but also that he has a strong determination to fulfill his goals and to use force when America is faced with a direct threat.

Multinational companies are one of the primary institutions that negatively impact the environment and society. On the other hand, they have the competence and the financial means to make significant positive contributions toward sustainability. Therefore, research has developed several concepts for integrating social and environmental concerns into business strategies. A commonly used concept in this regard is CSR. Despite its popularity, the different approaches to CSR are scattered and disconnected from practice.   This research uses the five-level model as a lens to categorize and make sense of CSR literature and its practical application in the sustainability strategies of MNCs. The findings of each level are compared. (Mis-) alignments between literature and practice are identified. Lastly, hypotheses are developed on making both more strategic to increase their contribution towards sustainability.   The results show that the most significant misalignment is the underrated significance of regulations and other external standards in literature. Both literature and practice show space for improvement in their impact on sustainable development. Especially, adjustments in the system and success level appear to be essential leverage points.