Straight and narrow path to success : Leaders need to take the moral high ground

Purpose – Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – There have been so many examples of companies whose leaders have succumbed to doing business in unethical, unacceptable, unscrupulous, and unbelievably unworthy ways that it's no wonder the word “ethical” has shot up the popularity stakes in everything from mission statements to advertisements. But what is ethical leadership? Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. 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.