Alternative Perspectives of Responsible Leadership

Abstract

It is difficult to watch or read the news media without coming across stories that challenge and/or criticize the behaviors and decisions of corporate executives and political leaders. Changes to laws such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Congress, and modern media such as blogs and the Internet, have created an increased level of public accountability for leaders. A broad array of groups and individuals now have a voice whereby they are able to demand that leaders act responsibly and in a manner that is aligned with the needs of a diverse set of stakeholders. This new era of leader accountability raises the question, to whom and what ate organizational leaders responsible? In an attempt to answer this question, we elaborate a broad definition of responsible leadership and address two sides of the ongoing debate regarding what responsible leadership entails. By reviewing statements and actions of corporate executives, and looking at the seemingly conflicting economic and stakeholder perspectives, we hope to help uncover what responsible leadership is all about. In addition, we provide recommendations and a big picture perspective for individuals who seek to be responsible leaders themselves. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR

Cite this document ^(BETA)