Originally found at Forbes.

The decline of responsible leadership in our society is a pressing issue, reflecting broader economic, political, and cultural challenges. Traditionally, responsible leadership has embodied ethical behavior, transparency, accountability, and a long-term focus on societal and environmental well-being. However, recent evidence indicates a troubling erosion of these principles across various sectors, including corporate organizations, politics, and education.

In the corporate world, employee perceptions of leadership have dropped significantly. According to DDI’s 2023 Global Leadership Forecast, only 40% of employees view their leaders as effective, compared to 57% in 2018. Similarly, trust in political and judicial institutions has declined. Gallup data reveals that public approval of the Supreme Court has fallen from 60% in 2009 to 41% today. In education, Pew Research Center data highlights a drop in public confidence in local school leaders, with positive ratings falling from 45% in 2009 to less than 30% in recent years.

... A 2016 study published in the Academy of Management Journal found that organizations led by responsible leaders were better equipped to navigate change and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This evidence underscores that leadership grounded in ethics and accountability is not only morally sound, but also a driver of sustainable success.

Continue reading the original article at Forbes.

Read the original research in Academy of Management Journal.

Learn more about the AOM Scholars and explore their work:

• Jennifer Howard-Grenville, Cambridge University
• Laszlo Tihanyi, Texas A&M University