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Article
Publication date: 12 February 2018

Cam Caldwell and Ray Peters

The purpose of this paper is to identify the ethical implications of treating new employees with high consideration and respect for their needs and to explain how this expectation…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the ethical implications of treating new employees with high consideration and respect for their needs and to explain how this expectation honors the psychological contract between employers and their incoming employees. By providing a specific model for improving the onboarding process, this paper also provides helpful information for practitioners in addressing this important task.

Design/methodology/approach

The process for onboarding and assimilating new employees in the modern organization is often ineffective – despite the fact that this important task is acknowledged to be vital to the success of those employees and important to their organizations. This conceptual paper addresses the problems of new employee orientation from an ethical and psychological contract perspective and suggests a ten-step model to improve the onboarding process.

Findings

The paper confirms that onboarding is not done well by organizations, that employees expect that they will be treated with appropriate concern for their interests as part of their assumptions in coming into a new organization, that onboarding new employees is fraught with ethical implications, and that the process can be greatly improved by following the ten-step model provided.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides opportunities for practitioners to apply their proposed model and enables scholars to test the impact of incorporating the steps of the ten-step onboarding model.

Practical implications

Ineffective onboarding has significant ramifications not only for the efficiency of organizations but also for the effectiveness of incoming employees. Understanding the implicit ethical issues in the onboarding process enables organizations to improve the employer-employee relationship and honor their responsibilities to incoming employees.

Social implications

In a world where trust in leaders and organizations has declined, understanding the implications of the psychological contract expectations of incoming employees and honoring an organization’s obligations to those employees is likely to increase employee trust and commitment while benefiting the organizations that apply the proposed model.

Originality/value

The topic of onboarding employees has not been fully understood by busy organizations and this paper addresses the ethical and psychological implications of effective onboarding and its contributing value for both the organization and the new employees affected by the onboarding process. The ten-step model provides a useful checklist for human resources staff and for the organizational leaders who oversee them.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2017

Cam Caldwell and Ken Kalala Ndalamba

The purposes of this paper are to present a clear model for understanding trust by integrating the diverse viewpoints in the trust literature and to explain how that model enables…

Abstract

Purpose

The purposes of this paper are to present a clear model for understanding trust by integrating the diverse viewpoints in the trust literature and to explain how that model enables individuals and organizations to optimize their ability to create value and sustain competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that integrates the perspectives of many widely regarded scholars and links trust with value creation in organizations.

Findings

The paper builds on previously established conditions essential to creating trust but suggests that trustworthiness requires an integrative quality which we call “capacity” that enables those who seek to lead to translate trust into action. That integrative quality is the key to effective execution for individuals and organizations.

Originality/value

Trust is widely acknowledged to be both a critical condition for successful organizations but a missing commodity in many leader-follower relationships. The paper offers insights for scholars and practitioners about the importance of leaders earning trust by being worthy of their followers’ commitment and cooperation.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 36 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2019

Feng Xu, Benhua Xu, Verl Anderson and Cam Caldwell

Humility as an important factor for leaders was identified by Collins (2001) and his colleagues in an extensive research project about the leadership qualities of the leaders of…

1032

Abstract

Purpose

Humility as an important factor for leaders was identified by Collins (2001) and his colleagues in an extensive research project about the leadership qualities of the leaders of companies that transitioned from “good” to “great.” This paper is an empirical study of six factors closely associated with humility and leadership and the purpose of this paper is to identify how Chinese business students and Chinese employees perceive the importance of six factors associated with humility as enlightened leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes recent research about humility and leadership and suggests seven hypotheses about the importance of six factors associated with humility as enlightened leadership.

Findings

This study confirms that Chinese respondents affirmed the value of all six factors and identified the statistical significance of three of the factors studied.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is that it is exploratory in nature and contained many factors that made conducting factor analysis indeterminable. The practical implications of this study are that it provides confirming information about understanding the value system and priorities of Chinese employees and future workers when multi-national companies interact with Chinese partners.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable information about the six factors associated with humility as enlightened leadership. This study is the first of its kind that empirically tests Chinese attitudes associated with humility and leadership.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 38 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2017

Cam Caldwell

The purpose of this paper is to identify the practical value and leadership applications of the 12 virtues of the Lakota (Sioux) nation and their importance for ethical leaders in…

1514

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the practical value and leadership applications of the 12 virtues of the Lakota (Sioux) nation and their importance for ethical leaders in the modern world.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes and briefly summarizes each of the 12 Lakota virtues and presents parallel insights from the leadership literature in summarizing the ethically-related nature of the Lakota virtues.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that scholars in leadership affirm that the Lakota virtues have parallel scholarly support as important factors in ethical leadership.

Research limitations/implications

The paper affirms the importance of virtue-based leadership principles as a useful approach for modern leaders and demonstrates the wisdom and practical value of traditional Lakota perspectives. The opportunity to focus on the importance of virtue-based ethical leadership is reinforced.

Practical implications

Today’s current and would-be leaders can benefit by comparing their own perspectives about leadership with the 12 Lakota virtues. By examining their own behaviors and comparing them with the Lakota virtues, leaders and those who wish to lead can increase their understanding of the value of these virtues in the leader-follower relationship.

Social implications

The Lakota (Sioux) nation represents a noble people who were feared and respected. As Native Americans, the virtues of the Lakota nation greatly influenced the culture of this once great community of people, and the virtues that guided them and that continue to influence them today have practical value for modern society.

Originality/value

Little has been written in the management literature about the practical application of Native American virtues and values and the opportunity to revisit the implications of the Lakota virtues adds to the leadership literature and provides insights about this people.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2016

Benhua Xu, Feng Xu, Cam Caldwell, Geoff Sheard and Larry Floyd

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of trustworthiness at an organizational level. A comparison of Chinese and US perspectives facilitated the identified insight…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of trustworthiness at an organizational level. A comparison of Chinese and US perspectives facilitated the identified insight into the nature of trustworthiness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an exploratory study of cross-cultural perceptions of trustworthiness at an organizational level. A survey was administered to business school students, faculty members and industrial managers in a major Chinese city. Usable data collected from 398 respondents was analyzed identifying significant factors characterizing organizational trustworthiness.

Findings

Seven factors were identified that characterize organizational trustworthiness. These factors were significant for both US and Chinese respondents, with procedural fairness considered most important of the identified factors.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to trustworthiness literature at the organizational level. Prior empirical research is based on data collected from US business school students. This is the first reported study based on a comparison of data collected from Chinese and US participants. Identifying the seven significant factors characterizing organizational trustworthiness has practical value to international employers who work with the Chinese students who will become tomorrow’s Chinese employees.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 35 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2018

Ken Kalala Ndalamba, Cam Caldwell and Verl Anderson

Although much has been written about leadership, the concept of leadership vision is not widely understood, is far more complex than is commonly perceived, and is profoundly…

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Abstract

Purpose

Although much has been written about leadership, the concept of leadership vision is not widely understood, is far more complex than is commonly perceived, and is profoundly ethical in its normative and instrumental nature. The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of leadership vision, identify seven complex elements, which are key elements of leadership, and identify the importance of leadership vision as a moral duty. Eight testable propositions about leadership vision are presented that address the nature of leadership vision.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins with an examination of the complex nature of leadership vision. After defining leadership vision, this paper identifies seven key elements and nine propositions that practitioners and scholars can test to assess the nature of that vision. Following the presentation of three significant contributions, this paper concludes with a challenge to practitioners and scholars to closely examine the importance of leadership vision.

Findings

This paper invites leaders in today’s complex organizations to refine their leadership vision by honoring the duties they owe to others. The leadership vision strengthens leaders’ capacity to guide and serve their organizations and the people working within them.

Practical implications

This paper assists leaders in their duty to serve their organizations, its stakeholders, and a society that badly needs great leaders with vision, commitment to excellence, and a clear moral compass.

Originality/value

This paper provides three significant implications about leadership vision. It defines leadership vision as a complex and multi-faceted moral duty; it presents eight testable propositions about leadership vision, which have value for both practitioners and scholars; it raises the bar for would-be leaders with regard to the obligations that they have in serving others and in guiding organizations.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2017

Sylivia Atwijuka and Cam Caldwell

The purpose of this paper is to describe the relationship between authentic leadership and the ethic of care (EoC) and to propose that leadership is characterized by the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the relationship between authentic leadership and the ethic of care (EoC) and to propose that leadership is characterized by the commitment of others that is represented by EoC’s moral perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conceptual paper that compares authentic leadership characteristics with the moral and ethical elements of EoC.

Findings

This paper proposes that authentic leadership is closely tied to the commitment of others which characterizes the leader’s moral responsibility and shows how EoC fits with 11 other ethical perspectives in enabling leaders to serve others

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper lies on its focus on the importance of EoC as a guiding moral perspective in the actions of authentic leaders. Although authentic leadership has been written about extensively, very little has been written to link authentic leadership with the EoC.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 36 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Cam Caldwell and Zuhair Hasan

Research confirms that leaders continue to struggle in earning followers’ trust, commitment, and organizational citizenship. The purpose of this paper is to explain the importance…

1968

Abstract

Purpose

Research confirms that leaders continue to struggle in earning followers’ trust, commitment, and organizational citizenship. The purpose of this paper is to explain the importance of the relationship between leader and followers as a covenant and to identify five roles of the leader that are necessary to be effective in creating the required relationship with followers to earn their trust in an increasingly competitive and complex market.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is to present a summary of the nature of psychological contracts and to identify seven testable propositions about covenantal leadership and its ability to build trust and honor duties implied in psychological contracts of employees.

Findings

The authors explain how the five roles of the covenantal leader increase trust and examine each of these roles in identifying the importance of covenantal leadership in serving the modern leader.

Research limitations/implications

This research reaffirms the importance of leaders understanding the often unarticulated perceptions of their employees in imposing moral duties and obligations on leaders and organizations.

Practical implications

The practical value of this paper lies in its insights about the importance of leaders understanding and honoring implied as well as stated duties, and in recognizing employee perceptions about their needs and the often unaddressed obligations of leaders and organizations.

Social implications

The underlying assumptions of this paper are that leaders who seek to create greater commitment and higher performance can do so by seeking out, understanding, and honoring the implicit and explicit assumptions and expectations of their employees.

Originality/value

Covenantal leadership is a relatively new leadership model introduced by Moses Pava (2003) and the five roles of covenantal leadership have rarely been addressed as a leadership perspective in the scholarly and practitioner literature.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 35 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2017

Henry Mintzberg and Cam Caldwell

The purpose of this paper is to identify critical challenges to public leaders in troubled times, based on the experience and thoughts of an accomplished and world-renowned…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify critical challenges to public leaders in troubled times, based on the experience and thoughts of an accomplished and world-renowned academic in the field of strategy and leadership. The authors have also included it on the original paper, which is attached.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi-structured interview was conducted based on a series of questions that are considered pertinent to the challenges facing public leaders.

Findings

The key findings suggest that individualism and egos are too dominant, that there is an absence of effective ethical leadership which, together, overshadows the need for community action.

Originality/value

This summary of the short interview provides a unique insight into the challenges facing public leadership.

Details

International Journal of Public Leadership, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4929

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2017

Kim Cameron, Robert E. Quinn and Cam Caldwell

Kim Cameron and Robert Quinn are two widely admired world class scholars at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. The purpose of this paper is to explore their…

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Abstract

Purpose

Kim Cameron and Robert Quinn are two widely admired world class scholars at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. The purpose of this paper is to explore their personal views about positive leadership and added values over the traditional approach to organizations and leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

This interview was designed to obtain personal insights to positive leadership from world renowned leadership scholars.

Findings

Most people do have something to give that is worthwhile, when they address the question of positive leadership over traditional leadership. The moment we orient people to their highest purpose, there is an incentive for them to close their integrity gap.

Originality/value

Obtaining personal insights from lifelong scholars of leadership by means of personal interviews is paramount in the professional field of leadership.

Details

International Journal of Public Leadership, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4929

Keywords

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