Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the fundamental theories and research on leadership, and focuses mainly on the challenges of the 20th and 21st centuries. It provides shared knowledge to the latest responsibilities and requirements of leaders in an organizational environment. The book provides an overview of the core concepts and summary of key debates. It explores the various ethical pathologies and cognitive dissonance in corporate leadership that is a part of the field of behavioral economics. The book describes how cognitive biases could lead an individual or organization toward unethical practices, unsustainable growth or a quick corporate downfall. It discusses social responsibility in organizations as the result of the leadership actions. The book explores a version of corporate social responsibility (CSR) that is intended to serve the intuitive good, putting the individual citizen in the forefront.