Leadership and Sustainability

This chapter on leadership and sustainability from the first to the second generations of SME Ownership addresses both the leadership and sustainability from the perspective of different generations in family SMEs. Because, sustainable leadership is seen as a key factor of the competitiveness in a family enterprise. Without effective and efficient human capital, the SMEs cannot gain the goals such as growth, internationalization and increasing performance. Generational differences in SMEs may improve the creativity and innovation, providing that the established appropriate management system and strategy. From this viewpoint, this chapter provides an overview of generations, leadership, sustainability and competitiveness about SMEs

Sustainable leadership in higher education institutions: social innovation as a mechanism

Purpose Considering the vital role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in accomplishing sustainable development goals, this study aims to examine how and when sustainable leadership (SL) influences sustainable performance by examining social innovation (SI) as a mediating mechanism and managerial discretion (MD) as a boundary condition based on upper echelon theory. Design/methodology/approach This study is cross-sectional in nature. The authors adopted a cluster-sampling approach to collect data from 500 employees of HEIs in Pakistan and China. The response rate for this study was 52.63%. As the proposed model is complex, the authors used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the research hypothesis. Findings The empirical findings confirm the presence of SI as a competitive partial mediator between SL and sustainable performance. Nevertheless, the findings of this study do not suggest a higher positive effect of SL on SI in the presence of high MD. Research limitations/implications The study evaluated the role of SL and SI in fostering sustainable performance from the perspective of employees in HEIs in China and Pakistan. Before the empirical evidence can be generalized, there is a need to conduct similar studies in other parts of Asia and Western countries as well. Practical implications This study presents implications for higher education leaders and policymakers at the national level to foster the sustainable performance of their institutions. Social implications The current evidence reveals the effectiveness of SL in achieving the social goals of HEIs through SI. The recommendations presented in this study can have an impact on society, providing it with a sustainable future. Originality/value This study is the first of its kind to examine the mediating role of SI on the relationship between SL and sustainable performance. The present study also provides pioneering empirical evidence about the negative effects of MD in the context of HEIs.

The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship Between School Principals’ Sustainable Leadership Behaviors and Diversity Management Skills

The purpose of this research is to examine the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between school principals’ sustainable leadership behaviors and their diversity management skills. For this purpose, this research, which was designed in the relational survey model, was carried out on teachers. The data of the study were collected using the “Sustainable Leadership Scale,” “Diversity Management Scale,” and “Emotional Intelligence Scale.” Descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, t-test, one-way ANOVA analyses and structural equation model were used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the research, it was found that the school principals’ sustainable leadership behavior levels, their ability to manage differences and their emotional intelligence levels were high according to teacher perceptions. According to the correlation analysis, it was found that there is a positive and significant relationship between sustainable leadership, diversity management, and emotional intelligence. In addition, path analyses to examine the mediator variable effect revealed that emotional intelligence has a full mediating role in the relationship between school principals’ sustainable leadership behaviors and their diversity management skills. In addition to the research, it was also examined whether teachers perceptions of school principals on sustainable leadership behaviors, diversity management skills, and emotional intelligence levels differ significantly according to teachers’ gender, professional seniority, educational status and the level of education they work in. In addition to this, they have shown that they need to use their emotional intelligence effectively.

Strategic leadership and management factors driving sustainability in health-care organizations in Thailand

Purpose This empirical study aims to identify the essential strategic leadership and management factors underlying sustainability in healthcare. It also examines which factors drive sustainability performance outcomes (SPO) in health-care organizations, an analysis lacking to date. It provides a strategic leadership and management perspective toward sustainable healthcare, responding to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation adopted Sustainable Leadership as its research framework. Using a cross-sectional survey, 543 employees working in health-care and pharmaceutical companies in Thailand voluntarily provided responses. Factor analyses and structural equation modeling were employed.Findings The results revealed an emergent research model and identified 20 unidimensional strategic leadership and management factors toward sustainability in healthcare. The findings indicate significant positive effects on SPO in health-care organizations. Significant factors include human resource management/development, ethics, quality, environment and social responsibility, and stakeholder considerations.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in one country. Future studies should examine these relationships in diverse contexts. In practice, health-care firms should foster significant strategic leadership and management practices to improve performance outcomes for sustainability in healthcare.Originality/value This paper is the first empirical, multidisciplinary study with a focus on strategic leadership, health-care management and organizational sustainability. It identifies a proxy for measuring the effects of essential strategic leadership and managerial factors for sustainability in pharmaceutical health-care companies. It advances our currently limited knowledge and provides managerial implications for improving performance outcomes toward sustainable healthcare.

Effect of Chief Executive Officer’s Sustainable Leadership Styles on Organization Members’ Psychological Well-Being and Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Situational leadership theory and the contingency approach of leadership were utilized and applied based on situational theory. Based on a total of four foundational theories, that is, bottom-up spillover theory, theories of prosocial behavior, and so on, this study empirically analyzed what influence a chief executive officer’s (CEO’s) sustainable leadership styles (servant, ethical, and authentic leadership) have on the psychological well-being and organizational citizenship behaviors of organization members. The study was conducted on adult employees of midsized or larger companies (including subsidiaries) across four countries: South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Africa. Data were obtained from 649 adult employees. SmartPLS was used to conduct structural equation modeling analysis of the data. The results were as follows: (1) CEOs’ servant and authentic leadership styles had statistically significant positive (+) effects on employees’ psychological well-being; however, ethical leadership did not. (2) CEOs’ ethical leadership had a statistically significant (+) effect on employees’ organizational citizenship behavior; however, servant and authentic leadership did not. (3) Employees’ psychological well-being had a statistically significant (+) effect on organizational citizenship behavior. CEOs are attracting more attention than ever, leading companies in today’s rapidly changing times. This suggests that it is necessary to comprehend principles that show when, where, and how important leaders are and sustainable leadership styles that can increase their chances of success. Moreover, this study derived constructive implications that a leader can overcome today’s challenges through sustainable leadership styles.

CAMEROON PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERS Supporting leadership, management and administration development

Purpose: Effective leadership is about executing the organisation's vision (or redefining and improving it, in some cases), setting direction and the culture for that particular organization, developing people, engaging communities, and creating conditions for successful teaching and learning. But what does that leadership management and administration look like? The recently updated Cameroon Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSEL) identify what an educational leader must develop the ability to Influence Others, Transparent to an Extent., Encourage Risk-Taking and Innovation, Value Ethics and Integrity, Balance Hard Truths with Optimism and do their job effectively in order to demonstrate and sustain effective leadership in today global society. Methodology: There are a number of essential understandings about the Standards that merit attention, since the Standards are based only on literature review and policy analysis evidence. The reality is that the Standards were never designed to be constructed using only literature and policy analysis findings. To be sure, a large portion of the Standards rest on the best available documental analysis of literature and policy documents governing educational leadership and administration. At the same time, the creation of the Standards was predicated on the conclusion that other empirical materials need to be employed in the building process of educational leadership; management and administration standards supporting educational leader’s development in Cameroon. Findings: The CPSEL maintain the same basic footprint of the original standards, emphasizing: Development and Implementation of a Shared Vision and core values of sustainable leadership, Mission, vision and core values of sustainable leadership, Good Governance, Ethics and Professional knowledge and interpersonal skills, Equity and Cultural Responsiveness, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Community Engagement, Recruitment and Selection, School Leaders, Teachers, Students and Community Development, Professional Learning Community for School Leaders and Teachers, Financial Management, Succession Planning, School Improvement for the Future. Elements and indicator examples for each of these standards are included to further define leadership. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy (recommendation): The paper concludes with elements of all of the leadership standards are organised into inter-related categories with Professional Values and Personal Commitment at the heart of development. These standards emphasize equity, diversity, access, equal opportunity, and empowerment for students, educators, and all members of the educational community as they work together to ensure that all educational practitioners are ready for educational leadership career. CPSEL framework serves as a foundation for educational leader’s preparation, induction, professional learning, and evaluation.

Leadership Challenges and Developments in the Sports Business and Management Industry

How to effectively bring leadership to bear in teamwork as a leader is something that requires constant reflection. This is also the case in the sports industry. Based on the author's understanding of leadership theory for the application of leadership, leadership is not a separate field, but requires a continuous integration of multiple disciplines. Or more precisely, leadership for sustainability – is not a separate school of leadership thought, but a particular blend of leadership characteristics applied within a definitive context. The Cambridge University Sustainability Leadership Institute offers a definition of sustainability leaders suggesting they are individuals who are compelled to make a difference by deepening their awareness of themselves in relation to the world around them. In doing so, they adopt new ways of seeing, thinking and interacting that result in innovative sustainable solutions. This would suggest that sustainability leadership is implicitly about creating change. The purpose of this study is to describe, critically analyse, two challenges faced by leaders in the sports business and management industry. The two greatest challenges for leaders in sports business and management, are that they are caught up with the risks of failure, rather than the requirements of success, Plus they are only concerned with getting rid of the things that bind them that they don't want. Instead of expanding what could be helpful for them. This study uses a case study approach to analyses and illustrate in detail the leadership challenges in the sports industry, ultimately using the sports industry as a small point to reflect in a diffuse manner that as a leader, one must be brave and positive when faced with challenges and constantly change to seize opportunities, thus demonstrating the continued significance and transformational appeal of sustainable leadership. This paper discusses in depth and ultimately concludes that for leaders facing challenges, they should not be afraid of them, but should seize them as an opportunity to improve themselves and make what may be a weak predicament into a strong strength in themselves. Turning weaknesses into strengths and developing yourself as a leader with advantages.

A conceptual framework for the role of leadership in financial innovation adoption in the Australian banking industry

Despite being known as one of the most innovative countries in the world, innovation in Australia has remained stagnant since the 1990s. The main objective of this study is to analyse and evaluate the role of leadership in financial innovation adoption in the Australian banking industry. Specifically, this study focuses on exploring the drivers of innovation, testing the skill and knowledge of leaders to adopt an innovation, the impact of different leadership styles on innovation, and based on the nature of innovation propose the suitable leadership framework for Australian banks using a conceptual framework. The findings of this study are expected to allow Australian banks in evaluating their leaders’ role and formulate relevant strategies to ensure successful innovation adoption. It is projected that the findings will be robust for the businesses as the internal and external shareholders working with leaders to enhance organizational performance can befit from the insight provided in this study. Moreover, this study is projected to assist in charting directions for business leaders in the context of effective leadership practices necessary for improving employees’ retention, profitability, and growth which will ultimately contribute to business practices. The findings will help in providing a better understanding of leadership practices required for leaders’ professional growth which may create more job opportunities. The leaders may learn the ethical and sustainable leadership practices to meet the social expectations through compact strategies which may contribute to social change.