Responsible leadership: a systematic literature review, theoretical framework, and future research directions

Heim, I. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3023-4839, Laker, B. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0850-9744 and Tabaeifard, S. J. (2026) Responsible leadership: a systematic literature review, theoretical framework, and future research directions. Journal of Business Research, 203. 115801. ISSN 1873-7978 doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2025.115801

Abstract/Summary

This systematic literature review critically examines recent developments in research on responsible leadership (RL) through a framework that combines the core elements of leadership theory: motive, mode and mindset (MMM) along with their antecedents, decisions, and outcomes (ADO). It covers studies published from 2004 to 2024, drawing from interdisciplinary literature across fifty-three academic journals and 140 articles. The review defines RL as a distinct concept and highlights its influence on the individual- (micro), team- (meso), and macro-organizational and societal levels. It provides an overview of the research domain, focusing on trends in RL research, discussing its definition, and distinguishing it from other leadership theories. Additionally, it outlines key characteristics, moderators, causal mechanisms that reinforce the relationship between RL and long-term organizational outcomes. The review also proposes a framework, illustrative propositions, and potential themes and research questions for further investigation.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/125300
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.jbusres.2025.115801
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Leadership, Organisations, Behaviour and Reputation
Publisher	Elsevier
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