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Theoretical Development and Empirical Examination of a Three-Roles Model of Responsible Leadership

Author

Listed:
  • Christian Voegtlin

    (Audencia Business School)

  • Colina Frisch

    (University of St. Gallen)

  • Andreas Walther

    (TU Dresden
    University of Zurich)

  • Pascale Schwab

    (University of Zurich)

Abstract

This article develops theory on responsible leadership based on a model involving three leadership roles: an expert who displays organizational expertise, a facilitator who cares for and motivates employees and a citizen who considers the consequences of her or his decisions for society. It draws on previous responsible leadership research, stakeholder theory and theories of behavioral complexity to conceptualize the roles model of responsible leadership. Responsible leadership is positioned as a concept that requires leaders to show behavioral complexity in addressing all three roles. In three studies, we provide a first empirical test of antecedents and outcomes of the roles model of responsible leadership. The results of the studies indicate that responsible leadership is positively related to the leader’s perceived effectiveness, favorable stakeholder evaluations and employee engagement with the organization and society. Responsible leadership behavior, in turn, seems to be facilitated by leader empathy, positive affect and universal value orientation.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Voegtlin & Colina Frisch & Andreas Walther & Pascale Schwab, 2020. "Theoretical Development and Empirical Examination of a Three-Roles Model of Responsible Leadership," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 167(3), pages 411-431, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:167:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04155-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04155-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Naveed Ahmad Faraz & Fawad Ahmed & Zhengde Xiong, 2024. "How firms leverage corporate environmental strategy to nurture green behavior: Role of multi‐level environmentally responsible leadership," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(1), pages 243-259, January.
    3. Xinyue Zhang & Dian Li & Xintong Guo, 2022. "Antecedents of Responsible Leadership: Proactive and Passive Responsible Leadership Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-22, July.
    4. Anna-Mari Simunaniemi & Mira Valkjärvi & Riikka Franzén & Sari Liikala & Jaana Tähtinen & Kati Suomi & Jaana Jeminen, 2023. "Microentrepreneurs as Socially Responsible Leaders," South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, , vol. 12(1), pages 14-30, April.
    5. David Audretsch & Jagannadha Pawan Tamvada, 2023. "From entrepreneurship to leadership," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(2), pages 814-820, April.

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