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Contemplative Leadership: The Possibilities for the Ethics of Leadership Theory and Practice

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  • Gina Grandy

    (University of Regina)

  • Martyna Sliwa

    (University of Essex)

Abstract

In this paper, we offer a conceptualization of leadership as contemplative. Drawing on MacIntyre’s perspective on virtue ethics and Levinas’ and Gilligan’s work on the ethics of responsibility and care, we propose contemplative leadership as virtuous activity; reflexive, engaged, relational, and embodied practice that requires knowledge from within context and practical wisdom. More than simply offering another way to conceptualize the ethics of leadership (e.g., what leaders ought to do), this research contributes to understanding the ethics of leadership in practice. Empirically, we analyze the narratives of those in positions of formal authority and other organizational members in churches. We illustrate contemplative leadership as driven by a good purpose, derived from the unique organizational and broader societal context in which leadership occurs, and grounded in an ethical concern for the other. Contemplative leadership accounts for the complexity of experience and is discerned in mundane and everyday practices. We conclude with the implications for leadership theory, practice, and education.

Suggested Citation

  • Gina Grandy & Martyna Sliwa, 2017. "Contemplative Leadership: The Possibilities for the Ethics of Leadership Theory and Practice," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 143(3), pages 423-440, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:143:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-015-2802-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-015-2802-2
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    2. Stuart Allen & Louis W. Fry, 2023. "A Framework for Leader, Spiritual, and Moral Development," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 184(3), pages 649-663, May.
    3. Vickie Cox Edmondson, 2021. "Review of The Time Is Now: Developing Leaders for Today's Organizations of Color by Cassandra Y. Owens and Helen J. Owens," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 170(1), pages 195-199, April.
    4. Martínez, Cecilia & Skeet, Ann Gregg & Sasia, Pedro M., 2021. "Managing organizational ethics: How ethics becomes pervasive within organizations," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 64(1), pages 83-92.
    5. Nigri Giorgia & Del Baldo Mara & Agulini Armando, 2020. "The Mondora Method: Quantum Leaders in Benefit Corporations," Entrepreneurship Research Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 10(4), pages 1-25, October.
    6. Karianne Kalshoven & Scott Taylor, 2018. "Leadership: Philosophical Perspectives and Qualitative Analysis of Ethics—Looking Back, Looking Forward, Looking Around," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 148(1), pages 1-3, March.

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