Diversity as a contributor to leadership effectiveness: Leadership styles to optimize employee skills and group outcomes

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to focus on leader–follower interactions in contexts where diversity plays an important role, and it provides practical advice for implementing inclusiveness in the workplace through different leadership styles.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Theories on leadership that take diversity into account are more inclusive and, currently, necessary in view of modern social contexts and global concerns. Current leadership theories should acknowledge and promote diversity as an added value and identify in which way inclusive leadership principles shape inclusiveness climates in organisations which value, affirm and support diversity.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organisations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most-pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2016), "Diversity as a contributor to leadership effectiveness: Leadership styles to optimize employee skills and group outcomes", Strategic Direction, Vol. 32 No. 7, pp. 26-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-04-2016-0053