Coulson-Thomas, Colin (2022) Critical thinking for responsible leadership. Management Services, 66 (4). pp. 32-36. ISSN 0307-6768

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Abstract

Many individuals and organisations face multiple but inter-related challenges and difficult choices. Addressing them may require the critique, review and resetting of aspirations and expectations, purposes and priorities, and goals and objectives. Over time, aspirations, expectations and what might be accepted or tolerated can change. Visions and values, assumptions and beliefs, and societal and environmental responsibilities may need to be questioned and current activities, operations and lifestyles challenged. If societal transformation is to be achieved, fundamentals might have to be reviewed and reset. Critical thinking, scepticism, an understanding of human behaviour and motivation, and an independent and questioning approach are important for business leaders, directors, boards and their advisers, and productivity and performance consultants. Responsible leadership requires the understanding and practice of critical thinking for assessment and decision making and in boards, committees and review teams. It needs awareness of pressures to conform and the courage to critique, including the critique of inputs to assessment and decision making. Retaining balance, a sense of proportion and willingness to focus on reducing negative impacts and externalities can also be important. Encouraging people to critique current priorities and activities, and consider less damaging alternatives, might stimulate contributions to sustainability. Critical thinking might initiate transition and transformation journeys that benefit organisations, their people, other stakeholders, the natural environment and future generations.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	responsible leadership; critical thinking; groupthink, transformational leadership; innovation and knowledge management; assessment
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD61 Risk Management
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Business
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	15 Mar 2024 09:16
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/38357

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