Demonstrating Responsible Leadership at SOS Villages- A Real Case

Abstract

Todays enterprises across the world realize that they are a part of a large complex ecosystem and they need to plan, act, perform, and realize their mission interacting with various groups of stakeholders. It applies to profit and not for profit organizations at varied degree of importance to make a positive contribution to society beyond the economic benefits that derive from the activities of enterprises. The need of the hour is to define, design, develop, and deliver on responsible or social leadership. The Center for Social Leadership defines social leadership as a means to devote ones life and talents to improving society regardless of social standing, wealth, or privilege. Considering the above context, to fully grasp and understand how the power of social leadership influences the society we considered the case of one such leader Tim Mckormick, CEO of SOS Villages, USA in understanding the style of his leadership, the motivational factors, the triggers for action, the challenges, and the dilemmas in living up to the organizational and personal values to make a positive impact to the society.

Inspiring Work-Life Balance: Responsible Leadership among Female Pharmacists in the Egyptian Health Sector

“…That is why he or she should have all means, capabilities, resources and authority required to attain as many benefits as possible for all parties involved (Cameron, 2011). Hymavathi et al (2015) indicated that responsible leadership is a social phenomenon guided by moral standards. The thought falls in line with Martin Luther King's question 'what are you doing for others?'.…”

“…In this light, many business leaders and academic experts have realised that maximising businesses' profits cannot be the only target (Wade, 2006). And thus, any business attempt to maximise profit should be accompanied by a considerable concern for achieving the well-being of the environment that the firm operates in, the welfare of internal and external stakeholders the firm serves and the wisdom the firm employs when dealing with its staff (Hymavathi, Kasarabada, & Avadhanam, 2015). This creates a space for what academicians choose to label 'responsible leadership' which urges organisations' leaders to maintain a noticeable commitment towards alleviating poverty, supporting peace, promoting freedom and safeguarding human rights in the communities their organisations serve (Bonoli, 2005;Carrasco, 2007;Avram & Kunhe, 2008;Antunes & Franco, 2016).…”

Climate change, responsible leadership and organizational commitment

“…Researchers such as Maak and Pless (2006) and Waldman et al (2006) have noted the ethical and relational structures concomitant with responsible leadership. Recently, organizations realized their role in the ecosystem and moved beyond the traditional role of maximizing shareholder’ profits to addressing societal goals (Hymavathi et al , 2015).…”

Inspiring organizational commitment

“…Hymavathi et al (2015) elaborate that responsible leadership reflects a social and moral scheme in which different organizational leaders drive, export and disseminate the virtues of wisdom, courage and respect to both in-and-out stakeholders. This entails a people-centered activity whose main aims include aggregating the welfare of societies, enhancing the well-being of the environment and securing the values of social peace in the communities in which the organization operates.…”