Leadership is often discussed as a balance between confidence and humility, authority and service. This accepted practitioner research presentation examines how selfish and selfless traits coexist within leaders and how these traits shape organizational culture, decision making, and performance in modern organizations.
Drawing on an extensive review of leadership and organizational behavior literature, the study explores how leaders navigate competing demands between personal ambition and collective responsibility. Rather than framing selfishness and selflessness as opposites, the research highlights their nuanced interaction and how both can influence outcomes depending on context, intent, and self awareness.
The analysis emphasizes the critical role leaders play in fostering cultures grounded in integrity, trust, and cooperation. Selfless leadership behaviors such as empathy, collaboration, and ethical consideration are shown to strengthen organizational cohesion and trust, while unchecked selfish traits can undermine morale and long term performance. At the same time, the research acknowledges that strategic self interest, when guided by ethical judgment, can support decisive leadership and organizational clarity.
Designed for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, this session contributes to ongoing conversations around leadership development by encouraging leaders to cultivate greater self awareness and balance. Attendees will gain insights into how reflective leadership practices can help organizations navigate complexity while promoting sustainable performance and healthy organizational cultures.
Author and Affiliation
Jet Mboga, Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg
Donald Crooks, Rutgers University
Join us at the SAM International Business Conference to engage with this timely discussion on leadership behavior and organizational impact. This presentation will be delivered virtually, allowing participants to join from anywhere and take part in a thoughtful exchange on leadership development in complex environments.
Register to attend the conference at www.samnational.org/conference and participate in conversations shaping the future of leadership and management practice.