Papers Dealing with Leadership
The Countdown:
(27) "Conscious Capitalism vs. Rapacious Capitalism: Lessons from King Leopold II"
by Friedman, H. H., Friedman, L. W. and Edris, S.
ABSTRACT. In this paper it is argued that two kinds of capitalism are engaged in a great struggle in the United States. Both approaches are derived from the opinions of Adam Smith, the father of capitalism, who posited in The Wealth of Nations that universal self-interest and the “invisible hand” of the marketplace allocate scarce resources more efficiently and promotes social welfare better than any other economic system. One type of capitalism could be called “moral capitalism” or “conscious capitalism”; the other kind of capitalism takes a “greed is good” approach this paper condemns. This paper’s authors argue that the only kind of capitalism that is good for a country is based on values and morals. In fact, they say, this is exactly what Adam Smith had in mind, as he was a strong believer in empathy and benevolence. The example of King Leopold II of Belgium is provided as an example of why capitalism based on greed is not desirable because it is widely believed that he was responsible for the death of ten million natives of the Congo Free State, which makes him one of history’s most notorious mass murderers. The Congo Free State was created in the 1880s as the private holding of a purported, private charitable organization created by some European investors that was headed by Leopold II, whose personal control of the country was unrestrained. Outrage over the well documented atrocities committed by his brutal regime led to the Congo Free State being abolished and replaced in 1908 by the Belgian Congo, a colony controlled by the Belgium parliament.
Available at: Business Quest, January 2017
http://www.westga.edu/~bquest/2017/capitalism2017.pdf
(26) "Leading with Compassion: The Key to Changing the Organizational Culture and Achieving Success"
by Friedman, H. H. and Gerstein, M.
ABSTRACT: There is a leadership crisis in the world today that is affecting government, business, and education. Young people and Millennials are especially troubled over the lack of values displayed by leaders. This paper demonstrates why it is important for organizations to practice compassion, empathy, and caring and make them core values. This means that organizations that want to thrive must be run by compassionate leaders. A culture of compassion and caring must permeate the entire organization. This is especially crucial in toxic organizations and/or where employees are disengaged.
Available at: ResearchGate.net, January 2017. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309765491_LEADING_WITH_COMPASSION_THE_KEY_TO_CHANGING_THE_ORGANIZATIONAL_CULTURE_AND_ACHIEVING_SUCCESS
(25) "Evaluating the Performance of College Presidents in the Age of Disruption and Corruption"
by Friedman, H. H. and Kass-Shraibman, F.
ABSTRACT: This paper discusses a paradigm for rating college presidents that stresses factors that provide long-term value such as vision, faculty engagement, building a learning organization, providing ethical leadership, increasing student satisfaction, and enhancing the reputation of the organization. We are in a knowledge economy where creativity, skills, adaptability, and character are what matter; the old ways of running a college, that might have worked half a century ago, simply do not work today. What can really destroy a college is making changes for the purpose of padding the CVs of administrators rather than improving educational quality.
Available at ResearchGate.net, November 2016
(24) "Can an Omniscient God Be Fallible? Several Important Lessons about Leadership from an Extraordinary Midrash"
by Friedman, H. H.
Abstract: This paper examines a Midrash and shows that there are many important messages about leadership embedded in it. Superficially, the Midrash appears heretical since it has Moses correcting God; God even openly admits, " You have taught me something. " The key lessons are that leaders must be compassionate; humble; and have a willingness to listen, make changes, and admit to mistakes.
Available at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2840510
(23) "Is Your Organization Run by the Right Kind of Leader? An Overview of the Different Leadership Styles"
by Friedman, H. H.
ABSTRACT. The world today is experiencing a leadership crisis. One thing is evident: The leadership style that worked in the industrial economy will not work today where integrity and creativity are crucial if an organization is to thrive. We live in an information/knowledge economy defined by accelerating change, flux, globalization, instability, and the need to adapt quickly. This paper describes various leadership styles that include transformational leadership, servant leadership, spiritual leadership, Level 5 leadership, compassionate leadership, ethical leadership, benevolent leadership, and more. Successful leaders will develop a leadership style that works best for their organizations and avoid becoming narcissistic and totally self-absorbed, traits that can destroy their corporations.
Available at: SSRN.com, September 27, 2016
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844519
(22) "A New Paradigm for Evaluating CEOs in the Age of Creativity"
by Friedman, H. H. and Gerstein, M.
ABSTRACT. We are no longer an industrial economy characterized by assembly lines; we are now in a knowledge economy where creativity is what matters and the old ways of running a firm simply do not work. Using the value of the stock as a way of measuring CEO performance makes no sense and can actually destroy an organization. This paper discusses a new paradigm for rating CEOs that includes factors that provide long-term value such as employee engagement, diversity, building a learning organization, corporate social responsibility, and the reputation of the organization.
Available at: ResearchGate.com, April 2016
(21) "The Prophet Who Married a Harlot: Leadership Lessons from Hosea"
by Friedman, H. H.
ABSTRACT. America is in trouble; the middle class has shrunk to 50% of the adult population. We are no longer the “land of opportunity” we think we are; a child born in the bottom quintile of income in the United States only has only 4% chance of rising to the top quintile. The number of corporate scandals ranging from irregular accounting to inversions to defective automobile parts continues unabated. This paper shows how one verse in Hosea provides the secret ingredients of success for both organizations as well as countries. Hosea was among the greatest prophets. Indeed, he had to undergo one of Scriptures most difficult torments, a personal suffering that paralleled God’s own distress. If America desires to continue in its role as leader of the free world, it has to follow the recommendations embraced by Hosea, the prophet of repentance.
Available at: ResearchGate.net
(20) "Leadership Insights From the Decline of the Davidic Empire"
by Friedman, H. H. and Hertz, S.
ABSTRACT. There is a great deal of concern that the United States government is moving away from being a true democracy with a level playing field for rich and poor and is becoming a country that is ruled by the wealthy. Moreover, the public is losing its confidence in its leaders and institutions. More than 3,000 years ago, Asaph, the Levite poet and prophet, saw the United Kingdom of Israel reach a peak and rapidly decline. Asaph’s Psalm 82 describes what went wrong. If America wants to remain a world power, it must heed Asaph’s lesson.
Available at: Psychosociological Issues in Human Resource Management, 4(1).
(19) "Abrahamic Values for Ethical Leadership"
by Friedman, H. H., Friedman, L.W. & Hertz, S.
Abstract: This paper examines Abrahamic values that can be used to improve the world and promote ethical leadership. Abraham, a simple clan leader from Ur of the Chaldees, sowed the seeds that helped defeat paganism, planted the roots for the three major monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), and subsequently became “the father of a multitude of nations”. He permanently transformed the world with the revolutionary ideas of ethical monotheism, social justice, brotherhood of man, love of the stranger, tolerance, and compassion for the weak.
Available at: Journal of Leadership and Management, 2015, 2, pp. 3-9.
http://leadership.net.pl/index.php/JLM/article/view/67
(18) "How to transform an ordinary tech firm into an innovation powerhouse"
by Friedman, H. H. and Friedman, L.W.
Abstract: Organizations that thrive in the highly competitive knowledge economy will need to employ the most creative people. A good idea could easily generate billions in profits for a company; being slow to adapt to changing conditions can destroy a firm. Innovative, engaged people are invaluable to an organization but have options and can easily find another job if dissatisfied. This paper describes what upper management must do to create a culture in which creative people are engaged, satisfied, and thrive.
by Friedman, H. H. and Friedman, L.W.
Available at: i-manager's Journal on Management, 10(2), September-November, 1-11.
(17) "A New Kind of CEO for the Global Information Age"
by H. H. Friedman and B. J. Lewis
Abstract:Organizations that succeed in the Information Age / Age of Internet and Globalization will have to be innovative and adapt quickly to changing market conditions. Approaches that worked in the past no longer work when competition can come from anywhere in the world and any industry. This paper describes the kind of leadership firms need in order to transform themselves into innovative enterprises. A successful CEO will do everything possible to make sure that employees feel engaged.
Available at: http://www.westga.edu/~bquest/2014/ceo2014.pdf
(16) "Is Greed Good? Lessons About Moral Leadership from Psalm 72"
by H. H. Friedman and L.W. Friedman
Abstract:There is a leadership crisis in the United States and much of the world. The United States currently trails 19 other countries in stability as measured by the Fragile States Index. Psalm 72 was written by King David as he approached death. David’s great accomplishment was establishing a powerful nation built on ethical monotheism, the United Kingdom of Israel. David knew that Solomon, his son, would be his successor. David’s heartfelt prayer for Solomon’s success is a message to all leaders, political as well as corporate. It is a reminder as to what leaders should strive for: righteousness, justice, integrity, and compassion for the weak. Leaders who are concerned with enriching themselves will end up destroying their organizations the way Solomon’s lavish lifestyle contributed to the destruction of the United Kingdom of Israel established by his father.
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2467294
(15) "American Exceptionalism or Declinism: Lessons in Leadership and Ethics from the Twelve ‘Minor’ Prophets"
by H. H. Friedman, M. Gerstein, and P. Fenster
Abstract: America is in distress. We have been going from one crisis to another. Here are just a few: the savings and loan debacle which began in the 1980s; accounting fraud and financial irregularities scandals that involved such firms as Enron, Adelphia, Tyco International, Global Crossings, and led to the Sarbanes Oxley Act; the Great Recession of 2008 which led to the bankruptcy of such major firms as Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers, and finally put to an end to the myth that “greed is good”; the Madoff Ponzi scheme and the BP oil spill which hopefully made us aware that some regulation is needed; Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy which made us realize how unprepared we are for any crisis, and so on. It is not surprising that a large number of declinist books have appeared that posit that America is in decline and will never recover. True, some people still take the exceptionialist position and state that America will always be special. Who is right? This paper will examine the words of the Twelve Prophets - Amos, Hosea, Micah, Zechariah, Habakkuk , Malachi, Zephaniah, and others - who were both declinists and exceptionalists at the same time. The answer to the question as to whether America is in permanent decline can be found in their writings. These prophets prophesied that several empires would eventually disappear and gave the reasons. The primary causes had to with social injustices, corruption of leaders, greed, and oppression of the poor. Countries that have compassion for the helpless members of society and do everything to provide respectable jobs for those seeking them are assured of growth and prosperity.
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2461524
(14) "Job: Lessons in Leadership from one of the Bible's Most Tragic Figures"
by T. Birnbaum and H. H. Friedman
Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics Vol.11(2), 128-133, 2014
Abstract: Job is arguably one of the most enigmatic figures in the Bible. Most people believe that the foremost lesson that can be learned from his story is that God’s ways are mysterious and mortals cannot grasp why bad things happen to good people. This paper will demonstrate that a great deal can be learned about ethical leadership from Job’s story. After all, Job was an individual of great prosperity with an enormous amount of material wealth and many employees. The Book of Job describes exactly what a person, especially a leader, must do to live an upright, righteous life.
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2458253
(13) "Ezra and Nehemiah: Lessons in Moral and Spiritual Leadership"
by T. Birnbaum and H. H. Friedman
Abstract: This paper examines the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah to derive important lessons dealing with moral and spiritual leadership. Ezra and Nehemiah had different leadership styles but understood the importance of ethical leadership. Corporate and governmental organizations would benefit from incorporating spiritual, moral, and social justice into their core values rather than a pursuing a purely profit seeking model.
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2390230
(12) “Redemption, Forgiveness, and Resilience: Timeless Leadership Lessons From the Biblical Story of Judah"
by T. Birnbaum and H. H. Friedman
Abstract: A number of leaders have been able to bounce back from major scandals. These include such political personalities as Barney Frank, Bill Clinton, David Vitter, and Mark Sanford. Clearly, a big scandal does not have to result in the end of one’s career. Currently, two well-known disgraced New York politicians – Elliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner – are telling the electorate that their public humiliation has changed them and made them better people. This paper examines the story of Judah in the Book of Genesis to derive important lessons relating to leadership. Many leaders make huge blunders in their careers; some leaders manage to make a comeback after a huge setback, while others disappear. Judah made severe mistakes in his life yet managed to emerge as an important leader. A key lesson derived from the noteworthy life of Judah is the importance of being resilient, learning to be remorseful, and having the ability to change as circumstances change.
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2292254
(11) “Springtime for Hitler: Lessons in Leadership”
by H. H. Friedman and L. W. Friedman
Abstract: Much can be learned from negative leadership, possibly even more than from positive leadership. This paper examines the statements of one of the world’s most notorious leaders, Adolf Hitler, to see what can be learned about leadership. An examination of these quotations will make it quite obvious what is wrong with the narcissistic leadership style and why Hitler was a disastrous leader. Unfortunately, many of today’s leaders are using what they refer to as the "corporate model of leadership" as a fig leaf to hide behind and practice a Hitlerian form of leadership. They try to build organizations that revolve around their own needs, surround themselves with sycophants, show no compassion for others, and continually cover up unwanted truths. They have no real interest in ensuring their organization lives on beyond their lifetime; all that matters is their own self-aggrandizement. Conversely, it is hoped that by studying Hitler’s approach to leadership, we can learn what leaders of today must do to build a successful organization.
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2282003
(10) “Lessons in Leadership from Isaiah”
by T. Birnbaum and H. H. Friedman
SS International Journal of Economics and Management, 3(1), 56-70, January 2013
Abstract: The present social and economic situation in the United States does not bode well for what the future may have in store for this great nation. Income inequality and stagnation, skyrocketing deficits, health care, and education seem to be listlessly addressed, when they should be the defining bullets of the national dialogue. This is not the first great empire to be in danger of an interior collapse; numerous ancient empires have succumbed to such a breakdown. This paper will examine the words of Isaiah, whose prophecy of impending doom as well as hope, is relevant to Americans today as it was to ancient Israel more than 2,700 years ago. America can restore its once esteemed status and moral leadership by heeding the words of this old and wise prophet. One of his key messages was: “No peace and prosperity without economic and social justice."
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2210619
(9) “The Story of Ruth and Boaz: A Paradigm for Today’s CEO”
by H. H. Friedman and T. Birnbaum
John Ben Sheppard Journal of Practical Leadership, 2012, Vol. 6
Abstract: The authors show how the Book of Ruth can be used to illustrate the ideal way to run a big organization. Boaz, one of the major characters in the story, is an affluent businessperson who demonstrates moral leadership in the way he runs his business. In particular, the kindness he demonstrates to Ruth, the Moabite stranger, provides an important lesson in how to treat people. Other lessons that can be derived from this story are discussed.
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2157247
(8) “The Book of Esther: Lessons in Leadership”
by H. H. Friedman and L. W. Friedman
John Ben Sheppard Journal of Practical Leadership, 2012, Vol. 6(1)
Abstract: This paper examines the Book of Esther, deriving important insights about a variety of approaches to leadership that can be applied to today‘s crisis in leadership. Esther was a Queen of Persia approximately 2,500 years ago. In reviewing the leadership styles of three characters from this biblical story, the Book of Esther is seen to contain fascinating examples and counterexamples of effective leadership.
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2134986
(7) “Ethical Imperatives of CEOs: Creating the Virtuous Corporation”
By H. H. Friedman, L.W. Friedman, and F. Kass-Shraibman.
Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics. December 2008, 4(3), 31 - 41
Abstract: Companies that are going to thrive must have a soul. Those that are only concerned with “maximizing shareholder wealth” or maximizing profit” will find themselves going the way Enron went. CEOs will have to lead the revolution and should be the ones exhorting executives to make spiritual values and virtue, not just profit, the core values of a firm. A true measure of corporate performance is multidimensional and has to include the short-term, the long-term, risk, environmental issues, society, employees, customers, suppliers, and government. This paper shows a firm can acquire a soul and even be profitable doing it.
Available at: http://www.jbsge.vu.edu.au/issues/vol03no4/Friedman.pdf and http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2338240
(6) “Ethical Academic Leadership: Lessons from Ancient Times
by H. H. Friedman and L. W. Friedman
The John Ben Shepperd Journal of Practical Leadership, 3, Spring 2008, 19-27
Abstract: This paper demonstrates that much can be learned about ethical academic leadership from the great teachers living in ancient times, especially Confucius and Hillel. Those who desire to follow in their footsteps should be humble, gentle, extremely patient with people, and love humanity. They should not be motivated by fame, but possess a strong desire to spread wisdom and morality throughout the world. Moreover, they should recognize that education is for everyone, not just the elite. Finally, the negative version of the Golden Rule, i.e., “What is hateful to you do not do to others,” should be the philosophy that guides their life.
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2339725
(5) “‘An Understanding Heart to Judge Your People’: The View of Successful Leadership in the Hebrew Bible”
by H. H. Friedman, L.W. Friedman, and R. B. Fireworker
John Ben Sheppard Journal of Practical Leadership, Spring 2006, 1(1), 103-117
Abstract: The Bible is replete with stories of leaders, some successful and some unsuccessful. This paper examines the characteristics and behaviors of successful Biblical leaders and demonstrates how leaders of today should behave if they desire to be effective. The predominant characteristics of the successful Biblical leaders are: vision, courage, compassion, a sense of justice, humility, and adaptability. Some of the guiding behaviors and activities of the successful Biblical leaders include: seeking advice and counsel; knowing how to negotiate and compromise; being ready and willing to make sacrifices for one's vision and a history of such sacrifices; engaging in activities that are daring, different, and unexpected; and choosing a successor.
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2339613
(4) “Perspectives on Transformational Leadership in the Sanhedrin of Ancient Judaism”
by M. Langbert and H. H. Friedman
Management Decision: Focus on Management History, Vol. 41(2), 2003, 199-207
Abstract: Individuals interested in leadership can learn much from the Nesi’im (Presidents) that headed the Sanhedrin. These leaders faced incredible adversity: Hellenists, Sadducees, Greeks, Romans, the destruction of the Temple, religious persecution, and exile. Yet, they still managed to keep the Jewish people together. What special talents did they possess that enabled them to keep Judaism alive, see it outlast numerous opponents and survive despite the harshest of decrees? Our claim is that these individuals were transformational leaders. This paper examines the literature of transformational leadership, and the various characteristics, philosophies, sayings, and behavior of the leaders of the Sanhedrin. The philosophies and values of Nesi’im such as Hillel and Gamliel, recorded in the Talmud and Midrash, did what large armies could not have accomplished: destroy the pagan values of the Greeks and Romans. This paper describes how these philosophies might serve as a paradigm or touchstone for the successful leader of today.
Available at: http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/economic/friedman/sanhedrin.htm
(3) “Moral Leadership: Ancient Lessons for Modern Times”
by H. H. Friedman
Journal of College and Character, Vol. 2, November 2001.
Abstract: The Bible does not hide mistakes made by great people. This makes it an extremely valuable text for teaching moral character. In fact, the lessons learned from mistakes often provide a more lasting and powerful impact than those learned from doing things right. These lessons are not only valuable for individuals in positions of leadership but all people who wish to improve their character. Stories of the following Biblical personalities are examined: Jacob, Joseph, Balaam, Samson, Saul, David, Solomon, and Haman. This examination indicates that the purpose of leadership is not fame, power, fortune, or settling old scores, but to lead people with truth and righteousness. Leaders must be ethical and should not cover up injustices, even on the part of loved ones.
Available at: http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/jcc.2001.2.11/jcc.2001.2.11.1303/jcc.2001.2.11.1303.xml?format=INT
(2) “Abraham as a Transformational Leader”
by H. H. Friedman and M. Langbert
The Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies (2000), Vol. 7:2, Spring 2000, 88-95
Abstract: The World Wide Web and the rise of the global economy are rapidly changing the way business is conducted. Organizations that hope to prosper need special leaders, leaders that are more than just accomplished administrators and managers. They need leaders that have some charisma and possess the ability to inspire followers to subordinate their own interests for the good of the entire company. What organizations need, if they desire to change rapidly, are transformational leaders. One of the greatest transformational leaders of all time was, arguably, the Biblical Abraham, progenitor of three major religions. This paper demonstrates that the traits Abraham possessed, traits useful to individuals desiring to become transformational leaders, were: a vision, some charisma, confidence, courage, humility, a strong sense of justice, a willingness to be different, concern for others, and a willingness to make great sacrifices for his vision.
Available at: http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/economic/friedman/Abraham-GreatTransformLeader.htm
(1) “Powerful Biblical Statements: Lessons in Communication for Today's Leadership”
by H. H. Friedman and L. W. Friedman
Abstract: One of the most important prerequisites for effective leadership is powerful communication. This has been observed throughout all of human history, and examples of powerful communication may be found even in one of the oldest documents of record, the Hebrew Bible. This paper examined a small selection of powerful statements from the Hebrew Bible. The ancient messages resonate today as much as they did thousands of years ago. The authors conclude that, for a passage to be memorable and powerful, it could be categorized on one or more of three dimensions: simplicity, language and the content of the message itself. It is hoped that individuals in leadership positions will make use of these exemplars as guidelines for effective communication as well as a touchstone in understanding what truly is important
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2170462