Authentic transformational leadership and its role in driving strategic corporate social responsibility: a contextual framework

This paper addresses the role transformational leadership can play in effectively driving corporate social responsibility activities of an organisation. The paper starts with an overview of the evolution of the definition of corporate social responsibility (CSR), advocating for a definition that links firm profit directly with a stakeholder view of CSR. A contextual framework is presented that seeks to provide a practical link between firm strategic CSR practices and leadership style. The paper argues that authentic transformational leadership is the best mechanism to drive strategic CSR activities within the firm. An in depth analysis of the components of transformational leadership is undertaken, with a view towards how those components assist in driving strategic CSR.transformational leadership; transactional leadership; corporate social responsibility; strategic CSR; shared values; leadership styles