Synopses & Reviews
For the Common Good showcases the insights, reflections, and recommendations of some of today's most forward-thinking and inspiring leaders, as they explore the challenges of leadership in the context of our global, 21st-century society. Featuring original essays by such luminaries as Nobel Prize winner John Hume; Leader-to-Leader Chair Frances Hesselbein; Harvard University's Howard Gardner; M.K. Gandhi Institute's Founder Arun Gandhi; poet David Whyte; and President Jimmy Carter, For the Common Good stresses the need for a new kind of leadership committed to promoting social welfare, justice, and opportunity. Against the all-too-familiar backdrop of corporate malfeasance, scandal in our religious institutions, political chicanery to serve ulterior motives, and constant reminders of the corruptive influences of power, the contributors apply their expertise in such fields as ecology, education, and conflict resolution to illuminate emerging roles and responsibilities of today's leaders. Collectively, the authors argue that because individuals, institutions, and societies are now so profoundly connected and inter-related, every decision of consequence has a ripple effect. Leaders of all stripes, including corporate executives, politicians, social activists, scientists, and educators, must display courage, integrity, humility, and the wherewithal to consider the long-term impact of their decision and actions. Most important, they must engage in dialogue and recognize that creative solutions to complex problems require collaboration across sectors and cultures to achieve common goals. The result is a provocative and multidimensional exploration of leadership in troubled and troubling times--but with a hopeful note that individuals and organizations will rise to the challenges.
Review
"Contributors from business, education, religion, and politics set out the ethical requirements of leadership in the 21st century the obligations of leaders to promote justice, fairness, trust, and the conditions necessary for people to promote communities that flourish. They focus on practical matters, leaving theory to others." - Reference & Research Book News
Review
"[A] very refreshing work." - Business Digest
Review
[A] very refreshing work.Business Digest
Review
"A sobering and inspiring portrait of the wide-ranging and complex global leadership challenges that confront our institutions and the critical role that ethical leaders can play in effectively addressing them. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who needs to be reminded of what committed individuals can accomplish--if only they have the courage and ability to help us realize our shared values." < p="">David Vogel, Solomon P. Lee Professor of Business Ethics, Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, and author of < i=""> The Market for Virtue: The Potential and Limits of Corporate Social Responsibility < i=""> <>
Review
"Knapp has compiled a stellar collection that brings together reflections on the ethics of leadership by 11 academic and societal heavyweights such as John Hume, Howard Gardner, and Arun Gandhi….Knapp divides the essays into three sections, in which contributors consider the new climate in which leadership must be practiced; explicate leadership challenges in a global context; and examine how higher education can foster a sense of responsibility for the common good among college students who will become the new generation of leaders in this complex, fast-paced society. Focusing on the practice of ethical leadership, each contributor makes the case with moral authority that ethical leadership is as much about the personhood of the leader as it is about understanding the context in which leadership is practiced. Overall, a valuable addition to the literature on leadership and business ethics. Recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals." - Choice
Synopsis
Against the all-too-familiar backdrop of corporate malfeasance, scandal in our religious institutions, political chicanery to serve ulterior motives, and constant reminders of the corruptive influence of power, For the Common Good showcases the insights, reflections, and recommendations of some of today's most forward-thinking and inspiring leaders, applying their expertise in fields such as ecology, education, and conflict resolution. Today's challenges test leaders to their very core, and require a fundamentally new kind of leadership committed to the greater good of society. From Nobel Prize winner, John Hume, to Leader-to-Leader Institute Chair, Frances Hesselbein, Harvard University's Howard Gardner to President Jimmy Carter, the contributors argue that because individuals, institutions, and societies are now so profoundly connected and inter-related, every decision of consequence has a ripple effect. Leaders of all stripes, including corporate executives, politicians, social activists, scientists, and educators, must display courage, integrity, humility, and the wherewithal to consider the long-term impact of their decisions and actions; most importantly, they must engage in dialogue and recognize that creative solutions to complex problems require collaboration. The result is a provocative and multi-dimensional exploration of leadership in troubled and troubling times—but with a hopeful note that individuals and organizations will rise to the challenges.
Synopsis
A collection of original essays by world-renowned writers, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of achieving and promoting ethical leadership
About the Author
JOHN C. KNAPP is Professor and Director of The Southern Institute for Business and Professional Ethics at Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business. He also serves as a visiting lecturer at the University of Wales, Lampeter, and as an adjunct professor of ethics at Columbia Theological Seminary. Previously, he was Senior Scholar and Professor of Ethical Leadership at Kennesaw State University. Known internationally as an expert in organizational ethics and leadership, he is a frequent speaker and seminar leader, as well as a regular contributor to professional journals, business publications, and broadcast programs.