Leading for Good in the Impulse Society

The purpose of this study is to explore the leadership dispositions and practices of executive leaders who are leading for good in the Impulse Society, which is described by Tazioli (2014) as, A world where business shamelessly seeks the fastest reward, regardless of the long-term social consequences; where political leaders reflexively choose shortterm fixes over broad, sustainable social progress; where individuals feel increasingly exploited by a marketplace obsessed with our private cravings, yet oblivious to our spiritual well-being or the larger needs of our families and communities (“Book of the Week,” para. 1). To accomplish this work, the research uses a phenomenological approach to describe the experiences of five executive leaders who lead organizations that meet an established inclusion criteria. Interviews are the main source for the study. Inquiry consists of audio-recordings, documentation, and analysis of each individual’s experiences and practices as they relate to common leadership challenges which have been identified by the Center for Creative Leadership. The study provides insight into how executive leaders leading in the Impulse Society lead in a manner that promotes the common good of the society’s members. A list of the leadership dispositions and practices will be compiled to allow for the development of a leadership survey and to guide further research. This study contributes to the literature on modern leadership theory and practice through the identification of those leadership dispositions and practices that allow executives to lead for the common good in an environment that continuously reinforces shortsighted, self-interested leadership behaviors