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Moving Forward with the Concept of Responsible Leadership: Three Caveats to Guide Theory and Research

Journal of Business Ethics volume 98, pages 75–83 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

The concept of responsible leadership has garnered increased attention in recent years. Indeed, irresponsibility on the part of organizational leaders appears to represent an area of growing concern to the greater public. Accordingly, it is appropriate that increased scholarly attention be devoted to an understanding of this concept. But with that said, the purpose of this article is to identify three caveats about which researchers and practitioners should be concerned as work in this area proceeds. These caveats pertain to: (1) definitional issues, (2) the importance of theory and research that is not ideologically driven or biased, and (3) the positioning of responsible leadership within the greater body of leadership theory and research. Additional concerns are considered including the measurement of responsible leadership and research strategies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management, W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 874006, Tempe, AZ, 85287-4006, USA

    David A. Waldman

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  1. David A. Waldman
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Correspondence to David A. Waldman.

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Waldman, D.A. Moving Forward with the Concept of Responsible Leadership: Three Caveats to Guide Theory and Research. J Bus Ethics 98 (Suppl 1), 75–83 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-1021-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-1021-8

Keywords

  • Leadership
  • Social responsibility