Challenges to ethical and responsible leadership in transforming economies

Introduction

This call for papers on the topic of ethical and responsible leadership in the interplay between ethics, economics, and religious traditions is both timely and significant. In a world where economic activities often seem to be at odds with ethical principles and where the consequences of such misalignment are becoming increasingly evident, exploring the relationship between ethics and economics is of paramount importance. In contemporary society, the imperative to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and human suffering has never been more pressing. Ethical leadership, as the call suggests, can play a pivotal role in mitigating these challenges. By emphasizing ethics and justice in decision-making processes, leaders can contribute to the creation of a better world. The research agenda set forth here, focusing on micro, meso, and macro levels, aims to unravel the intricacies of leadership and management in the context of ethical systems.

At the micro level, research could delve into the individual behaviors and characteristics of ethical leaders. How do their personal values and beliefs influence their decision-making processes? What motivates them to prioritize ethics and justice in their leadership roles? Moving to the meso level, researchers might investigate how organizations and institutions foster or hinder ethical leadership. Are there specific structures or cultures that facilitate ethical behavior among leaders and their teams? Conversely, what factors contribute to unethical leadership within organizations?

Zooming out to the macro level, there's an opportunity to examine the broader societal and global implications of ethical leadership. How does ethical leadership contribute to the creation of a good and just world on a global scale? Conversely, what constitutes unethical leadership in the context of failing to commit to a sustainable future for humanity? The call for papers underscores the urgency of these questions, particularly in light of the need to combat global poverty, address the escalating impacts of climate change, and alleviate human suffering. Ethical and responsible leadership emerges as a potent tool for addressing these pressing issues.

Furthermore, we encourage scholars to consider the converse of ethical leadership, which is unethical leadership. Understanding the characteristics, behaviors, and consequences of unethical leadership is crucial. This knowledge can shed light on the negative impacts of leadership that lacks a commitment to ethics and sustainability, offering insights into the root causes of economic and social injustices.

In its broader mission, the SI aims not only to encourage research but also to foster innovative and reflective thinking. By bringing together philosophy and economics, the SI seeks to reform and assess existing economic, political, and social structures. It also strives to promote humanity-based alternatives to systems that may perpetuate harm. In conclusion, the call for papers by the SI represents a significant step toward aligning ethics, economics, and leadership to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. The pursuit of ethical and responsible leadership is not an expensive endeavor; instead, it is an investment in a more equitable, sustainable, and just world. Research in this area promises to illuminate the path forward for leaders, scholars, and policymakers, offering hope for a brighter future in the face of complex global issues.

List of topic areas

1.  Ethical leadership

2. Responsible management and ethics

3. Business ethics and leadership               

4. Philosophical anthropology and ethical leadership

5. Humanistic ethics in leadership

6. Dark sides of leadership and management

7. Ethical Leadership and transformation of economic systems

Submissions Information

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Author Guidelines

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Please select the issue you are submitting to”.

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.

Key deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 01/03/2024

Closing date for manuscripts submission: 01/09/2024

References

Banks, G. C., Fischer, T., Gooty, J., & Stock, G. (2021). Ethical leadership: Mapping the terrain for concept cleanup and a future research agenda, The Leadership Quarterly, 32(2).

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Rostron, A. (2022). How to be a hero: How managers determine what makes a good manager through narrative identity work. Management Learning, 2022, 53/3, pp. 417-438,

Trevino, L. & Brown, M.E (2006). Ethical leadership: A review and future directions, The Leadership Quarterly 17 (2006) 595-616.

James R. Meindl, Sanford B. Ehrlich & Janet M. Dukerich. The Romance of Leadership. Administrative Science Quarterly. Vol. 30, No. 1, pp. 78-102.