Chaired by Daniela Pauknerová
Leadership is at a crossroads. Faced with eroding trust, global crises, rapid technological shifts, and workplace transformations, the traditional leadership playbook is being rewritten. But where is leadership actually headed? Is it evolving into something new, or is it in danger of losing its relevance altogether?
This panel will explore the state of leadership today and its uncertain future, interrogating whether leadership, as we know it, is in crisis—or if our understanding of influence, power, and authority must fundamentally change.
Panelists:
- Alex Haslam (University of Queensland) – Social identity in leadership, collective influence, and the psychology of power.
- Georg Banks (University of North Carolina at Charlotte) – Ethical leadership and leadership research trends.
- Ann-Louise Holten (University of Copenhagen) – Leadership communication, leading through crisis, and workplace change.
Guiding Questions:
To answer “Quo Vadis, Leadership?”, this panel will explore:
- Is leadership in crisis, or is it simply evolving in response to new realities?
- If traditional leadership models are failing, what should replace them?
- Has leadership lost its influence in a world of skepticism, misinformation, and AI-driven decision-making?
- What kind of leadership does the world actually need right now?
- How can leaders regain trust and credibility in an age of transparency and public scrutiny?
- What role do adaptability, ethical leadership, and shared identity play in shaping the future of leadership?
Why This Matters Now
From political leaders losing legitimacy to corporate CEOs facing backlash for unethical decisions, leadership today is in crisis. This panel will not only diagnose the problem but also offer research-backed, future-focused solutions to reshape leadership in organizations, politics, and beyond.
References:
- Haslam, S. A., Reicher, S. D., & Platow, M. J. (2020). The New Psychology of Leadership: Identity, Influence, and Power. Routledge.
- Banks, G. C., Fischer, T., Gooty, J., & Stock, G. (2021). Ethical leadership: Mapping the terrain for concept cleanup and a future research agenda. The Leadership Quarterly, 32(2), 101471.
- Holten, A.-L., Hancock, G. R., & Bøllingtoft, A. (2020). Studying the importance of change leadership and change management in layoffs, mergers, and closures. Management Decision, 58(3), 393-4.