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Being an ethical leader during the apocalypse: Lessons from the walking dead to face the COVID-19 crisis

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  • Allal-Chérif, Oihab
  • Guijarro-García, María
  • Ballester-Miquel, José Carlos
  • Carrilero-Castillo, Agustín

Abstract

This article draws on Gareth Morgan’s theory of organizational metaphors. Using imaginization, this research examines practices of ethical leadership during a crisis, using The Walking Dead television series as a reference. The Walking Dead offers an artistic representation of different leadership styles, with business organizations likened to groups of survivors. Its post-apocalyptic setting offers something of an analogy to the COVID-19 crisis. Each firm’s struggle for survival in the face of external threats is paralleled with each community’s struggle to protect members’ lives, preserve resources, and pursue development. The practices of the leaders in the program are compared to those of the leaders of firms such as P&G, Boeing, GM, Renault-Nissan, IBM, BP, GE, Berkshire Hathaway, Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, Ali Baba, Netflix, Airbnb, Uber, and SpaceX. This paper illustrates why ethical leadership goes far beyond charisma and competencies to involve deep motivations and sincere emotions and why it is accessible to everyone through a process of learning and transformation. The study shows the need to adapt leadership style to context. Good leaders know when to step back, meditate, and be lucid. They balance consultation and initiative. They do not fear other leaders and mentor new ones.

Suggested Citation

  • Allal-Chérif, Oihab & Guijarro-García, María & Ballester-Miquel, José Carlos & Carrilero-Castillo, Agustín, 2021. "Being an ethical leader during the apocalypse: Lessons from the walking dead to face the COVID-19 crisis," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 354-364.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:133:y:2021:i:c:p:354-364
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.05.008
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    Cited by:

    1. Allal-Chérif, Oihab & Costa Climent, Juan & Ulrich Berenguer, Klaus Jurgen, 2023. "Born to be sustainable: How to combine strategic disruption, open innovation, and process digitization to create a sustainable business," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    2. Manisaligil, Alperen & Gölgeci, İsmail & Bakker, Arnold B. & Faruk Aysan, Ahmet & Babacan, Mehmet & Gür, Nurullah, 2023. "Understanding change in disruptive contexts: The role of the time paradox and locus of control," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).

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