Responsible Leadership at the Crossroads: Integrating Theory and Practice
A special issue of Administrative Sciences (ISSN 2076-3387).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 2026
Special Issue Editor
Interests: talent management; strategic leadership; public administration; local government; human resource management; knowledge management; online learning; organizational behavior and neuropsychology and practice
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Leadership today stands at a decisive juncture: social, economic, and environmental pressures are converging, testing traditional leadership models, and responsible leadership—the act of balancing performance with accountability and organizational goals with societal needs—has become critical. Leaders are expected not only to manage resources but also to serve as stewards of trust, ethics, and sustainable impact.
This Special Issue on “Responsible Leadership at the Crossroads: Integrating Theory and Practice” explores leadership responsibly amid uncertainty and competing demands. Contributions may include theoretical advances and practical examples, highlighting the need to embed responsible leadership in daily decisions, organizational cultures, and responses to ethical dilemmas and stakeholder expectations.
Recent research has emphasized responsible leadership's influence on organizational outcomes such as ethical behavior, innovation, and employee engagement, while also showing how contextual factors shape its effectiveness. Gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms linking leadership practices with sustainable performance and societal impact.
The major themes of this Special Issue include (1) ethical decision-making and accountability; (2) sustainable leadership practices; (3) cultivating responsible leadership within organizational culture; and (4) policy and public-sector implications. By integrating theory and practice, this collection highlights responsible leadership as both a moral compass and a practical tool for navigating complex organizational and societal challenges.
Prof. Dr. Nico Schutte
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- responsible leadership
- theory–practice integration
- ethics and accountability
- sustainability and impact
- uncertainty and complexity
- stakeholder engagement
- organizational culture
- resilience and fairness
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