Abstract
Dialogic leadership as ethics method respects, values, and works toward organizational objectives. However, in those situations where there may be conflicts and/or contradictions between what is ethical and what is in the material interest of individuals and/or the organization, the dialogic leader initiates discussion with others (peers, subordinates, superiors) about what is ethical with at least something of a prior ethics truth intention and not singularly a value neutral, constrained optimization of organizational objectives. Cases are considered where dialogic leadership: (1) helped build ethical organizational culture; (2) was effective; and, (3) as a by-product, produced integrative win-win results. Philosophical foundations for the method as well as differences between dialogic leadership and Theory X forcing leadership, Theory Y win-win integrative leadership, industrial democracy, participative management, action inquiry, and double-loop learning action science are explored. Limitations of the method are also explored.
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We must be still and still moving Into another intensity For a further union, a deeper communion
(T. S. Eliot, 1944, p. 27)
Richard P. Nielsen is a professor in the Department of Organizational Studies, School of Management, Boston College, 214 Fulton Hall, Chestnut Hill, MA 02167, (617)552-8858. Related articles of his include: ‘Negotiating As An Ethics Action (Praxis) Strategy’, Journal of Business Ethics 8, 1989; ‘Changing Unethical Organizational Behavior’, Academy of Management Executive 3, 2, 1989; ‘Limitations of Ethical Reasoning As An Action (Praxis) Method’, Journal of Business Ethics 7, 1988; ‘Cooperative Strategy’, Strategic Management Journal 9, 1988; and, ‘Arendt's Action Philosophy and the Manager As Eichmann, Richard III, Faust or Institution Citizen’, California Management Review 26, 3, Spring, 1984.
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Nielsen, R.P. Dialogic leadership as ethics action (praxis) method. J Bus Ethics 9, 765–783 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00383275
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00383275