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A bibliometric analysis of business character (1991-2025): implications for leaders

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  • Meenakshi Bisla
  • Umesh Bamel

Abstract

Business character has become a pivotal determinant of organizational success and sustainable competitive advantage, attracting significant scholarly attention. This study undertakes a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on business character spanning the period 1991–2025. Drawing on 978 publications retrieved from the Web of Science database, the analysis employs performance metrics, science mapping techniques, and network visualization to examine publication trends, leading authors, influential journals, keyword co-occurrence patterns, and conceptual frameworks for leadership. Findings indicate exponential growth in the field, particularly after 2010, with virtue ethics, business ethics, and leadership emerging as dominant themes. The Journal of Business Ethics is identified as the primary outlet for this research, while Mary Crossan and Gerard Seijts rank among the most influential contributors. Keyword co-occurrence analysis underscores the strong theoretical grounding in virtue ethics, alongside increasing integration of sustainability and innovation. The study proposes frameworks for cultivating character in organizational leadership and highlights the evolution of the field from philosophical foundations to applied business contexts, offering a roadmap for future research and practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Meenakshi Bisla & Umesh Bamel, 2026. "A bibliometric analysis of business character (1991-2025): implications for leaders," International Studies of Management & Organization, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 56(3), pages 225-243, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:mimoxx:v:56:y:2026:i:3:p:225-243
    DOI: 10.1080/00208825.2026.2642243
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