The changed paradigm of business progress: a moral step forward for humanity

Abstract

Purpose

Through an overview of the perceptional evolution of progress over the past two centuries, this paper aims to review a changed, yet constructive paradigm that has emerged in business leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a general review-based deliberation presenting standards of the twentieth century, the need for a shift in paradigms and the shift as it unfolds in the twenty-first century.

Findings

Focusing on optimal stakeholder inclusion, yet not disregarding the concept of progress in a competitive environment, this paper presents a set of interrelated leadership skills and characteristics, including a discussion about their applicability and ways to develop them.

Research limitations/implications

While globally applicable, the views in this paper are primarily based on the American performance environment.

Practical implications

Management practices would not have evolved to today’s level if we did not have the past experiences to learn from. The deliberations and insights shared in this article should be seen as a way of evaluating the path that led us to our current, multi-tiered leadership paradigm.

Social implications

The model presented in this article should be seen as a useful, yet incomplete set of skills and characteristics to be considered by today’s and future leaders to ensure greater stakeholder inclusion.

Originality/value

Within the framework of focusing on the management horizon, this paper places the driving motives of two centuries that influenced our current society alongside each other and contemplates on the necessary shifts needed to move forward.

Citation

Marques, J. (2018), "The changed paradigm of business progress: a moral step forward for humanity", On the Horizon, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 181-193. https://doi.org/10.1108/OTH-02-2017-0009