Centre for Responsible Leadership Studies (Africa)

The centre is rooted in Africa, with a service offering that has practical relevance and stature in both African and global contexts. The qualifying term responsible attached to leadership describes a generic quality of all leadership forms and styles. Responsible leadership is about doing what is good and right, always. It is not only for oneself and one’s own organisation, board and shareholders; it is for all stakeholders, including employees, local communities, bigger society, the socio-economic world and the natural environment. Responsible leadership is responsive to all stakeholders’ concerns, and in a morally accountable manner. Overall, the aim of responsible leadership is to create a better world for all and to ensure long-term sustainability.

Research has demonstrated that the benefits of responsible leadership include increased organisational effectiveness and performance. This includes improved motivation, commitment and citizenship behaviour inside the organisation, improved external stakeholder trust and business reputation, and the enhanced ability to address social, environmental and ethical challenges. 

The Centre for Responsible Leadership Studies (Africa) promotes knowledge and application of responsible leadership enhance leadership for sustainable organisational and institutional effectiveness, especially in Africa. This includes:

• Generating knowledge in the field of leadership, especially leadership responsibility
• Developing and delivering need-specific leadership offerings
• Developing responsible leaders and responsible leadership
• Expanding networks and disseminating knowledge about responsible leadership