A new dimension of leadership

✍ Scribed by Vijay Sathe; Hatim Tyabji

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2007
• Weight: 61 KB
• Volume: 2007
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1087-8149
• DOI: 10.1002/ltl.250

✦ Synopsis

EOs can lead stakeholders to feel a greater sense of responsibility for the enterprise and, in so doing, spur higher levels of performance and enthusiasm in and around the enterprise. This is the CEO's new calling, and it requires moving beyond current thinking regarding leadership.

Although some CEOs cling to the notion that shareholders are the company's only stakeholders, most CEOs also view customers, suppliers, other partners, and society at large as important stakeholders with legitimate interests in the enterprise. For example, CEO Jeff Immelt wants General Electric to be recognized as a good company, one that cares about all its stakeholders. But who is to do the caring? It is the employees, of course. For what is a company if not its employees? A corporation cannot do anything; only the people of the corporation can.