Choosing a Values-Based Leader

Abstract

Scandals throughout corporate America have encouraged companies to seek leaders who can sustain profitability and embody positive values within the organization. This group exercise highlights some of the key challenges involved in choosing a values-based leader. Participants assess three hypothetical companies' values during a period of change and then select one of six potential candidates for the CEO position based on the alignment between individual, leader, and organizational values. The exercise may be used in undergraduate, master of business administration (MBA), and executive MBA classes. Participants have especially enjoyed the surprises that emerge during the debriefing stage.