Abstract
Sociological study demonstrates that any societal collective, whether large or small, is an evolving entity subject to the forces of change. Given the interdependency of industry and cultural convention, it's imperative that business strategies within a defined societal structure keep pace with technological advances and cultural shifts within the community. Over the course of time, societal constructs evolved to support and regulate environmental conditions and the interactions of people within the workplace. While some business leaders advance in real time with shifting conditions and cultural movements, many do not. As such, there has long been an existential struggle between the maintenance of traditional workplace values, or the status quo, and progressive if not revolutionary ideas. This chapter examines a new leadership paradigm intended to promote workplace democracy in an empathetic environment based on inclusion, individual growth, and opportunity for all.
TopMain Focus Of The Chapter
“What lies behind us, and what lies before us are but tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Adapting to change can be empirical, particularly in the face of new technologies and existential provocation such as the vice-like grip of a worldwide pandemic. In order to move forward in challenging and changing times, today’s successful business leaders and aspiring underserved entrepreneurs, particularly in the retail, hospitality and service sectors, must have their hand on the pulse of our society and the heartbeat of our culture. They must recognize and understand societal shifts and current events, not only in their local communities, but across the world as well. According to Duffey (2019), “Sociologists define social change as changes in human interactions and relationships that transform cultural and social institutions. These changes occur over time and often have profound and long-term consequences for society. Well-known examples of such change have resulted from social movements in civil rights, women’s rights, and LBGTQ rights, to name just a few. Relationships have changed, institutions have changed, and cultural norms have changed as a result of these social change movements” (Duffy, 2019, p. 1).
A vital characteristic of today’s effective and influential business leader is an understanding and appreciation of the humanities and social sciences as well as political shifts, movements, and discourse. Progressive business leaders must broaden their worldwide perspectives. They must travel domestically and internationally while creating relationships and alliances across the globe. As the world shrinks due to the all-encompassing effects of technology, today’s business leaders, including aspiring underserved entrepreneurs, must have an international perspective as well as a local grounding. If they are not thinking globally, they are not thinking at all. They should endeavor to expand their horizons in every way, from visiting museums to attending the theater, going to movies, and reading poetry, the Wall Street Journal and the Sunday New York Times.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Participative Leadership: A team building approach to leadership where all members of an organization, group, or department are given a particular role and responsibility relative to the successful completion of a task or project.
Intrinsic Rewards: An emotional and uplifting reward that team members attain when successfully completing an assignment or project.
Innovation: The introduction and development of a new idea, concept, mechanism, tool, or process.
Humanistic Approach: A psychological perspective that focuses on the unique qualities of each individual.
Inspiration: Intellectual and emotional stimulation from an external source that promotes enthusiasm and creativity.
Alternative Approaches: A transformative of action not previously considered that differs from a more traditional approach.
Empathy: Putting yourself in another’s position and truly identifying with their situation.
Social Change: The revision of social constructs based on civic and cultural movements and the reevaluation of accepted behavior, shared values, and social structures.