Responsible Leadership: Theoretical Issues and Research Directions

This article serves as an overview of the articles included in this symposium as well as a consideration of how the topic of responsible leadership can be framed in terms of research directions. Specifically, we focus on how the included articles bring attention to the theoretical divergence within the literature. To help address the variations of responsible leadership theories, we identify five areas in need of further research: (1) responsible leadership processes and outcomes, (2) stakeholder priorities, (3) training and development, (4) globalization and macro-level forces, and (5) measurement and assessment. In our discussion of each area, we elaborate by referring to other articles in the symposium, and we provide examples of specific issues that challenge responsible leadership research and implementation. Additionally, because responsible leadership concerns both the micro and macro levels of analysis, our discussion considers individuals, groups, and organizations.