Introduction to Values-Based Leadership from edX

The many business scandals and crises that regularly dominate news headlines are proof of the need for leaders who lead according to their values and beliefs, rather than the interests of shareholders alone.

In this course from the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (GSB), you will explore the need for values-based leadership by examining real-world cases and learning about the development of various leadership styles. In addition, this course unpacks key concepts such as morals, ethics, sustainability, and shared value while exploring the role each plays in values-based leadership. By engaging with real-world scenarios and reflecting on your own values and how this impacts your approach to leadership, this course will set you on the path to adopting a values-based leadership approach in your organization.

What you'll learn

The values-based alternative to the profit-focused business model.
The case for values-based leadership in business.
The principles of values-based leadership.
The differences between morals, ethics, and values.
The difference between personal and social values and organizational values.
The concept of creating shared value in an organization.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the significance of values-based leadership, especially in business contexts

Explores various leadership styles and their alignment with values

Defines morals, ethics, sustainability, and shared value and analyzes their relevance to leadership

Offers real-world case studies to demonstrate the practical application of values-based leadership

Encourages learners to reflect on their own values and leadership styles

Concepts and principles covered are highly relevant to those seeking to cultivate ethical and effective leadership

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Values-Based Leadership will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to create a sustainable and profitable organization. This course will also help you to develop the communication and problem-solving skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

CSR Managers are responsible for the corporate social responsibility of their companies, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to create a sustainable and ethical organization. This course will also help you to develop the communication and problem-solving skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Chief Executive Officer

CEOs are responsible for the overall success of their companies, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to create a successful and sustainable organization. This course will also help you to develop the strategic thinking and decision-making skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer

Chief Sustainability Officer

CSOs are responsible for the sustainability of their companies, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to create a sustainable and profitable organization. This course will also help you to develop the communication and problem-solving skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Sustainability Officer

Chief Operating Officer

COOs are responsible for the day-to-day operations of their companies, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to create a positive and productive work environment. This course will also help you to develop the decision-making and problem-solving skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Operating Officer

Chief Financial Officer

CFOs are responsible for the financial health of their companies, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to make ethical decisions and manage your company's finances effectively. This course will also help you to develop the financial and analytical skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Financial Officer

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to build a strong team and deliver successful projects. This course will also help you to develop the communication and problem-solving skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to create a positive and productive work environment. This course will also help you to develop the decision-making and problem-solving skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Chief Human Resources Officer

CHROs are responsible for the human resources of their companies, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to create a positive and productive work environment. This course will also help you to develop the communication and problem-solving skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Human Resources Officer

Chief Marketing Officer

CMOs are responsible for the marketing and sales of their companies' products and services, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to create a successful and ethical marketing strategy. This course will also help you to develop the communication and problem-solving skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Marketing Officer

Chief Information Officer

CIOs are responsible for the information technology systems of their companies, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to make ethical decisions and manage your company's IT resources effectively. This course will also help you to develop the technical and analytical skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Officer

Management Consultant

Management Consultants work with organizations to improve their performance, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to succeed in this role. This course will also help you to develop the communication and problem-solving skills you need to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, and a strong understanding of values-based leadership can help you to make ethical decisions and protect your organization from harm. This course will also help you to develop the analytical and problem-solving skills you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts require a solid foundation in business principles, and a deep understanding of business ethics and values can help you to succeed in this role. Understanding how to create shared value is also important in this field, as it often falls to a Business Analyst to determine how a project will impact a company's bottom line and its customers and employees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts need a strong foundation in ethical behavior and an understanding of the impact of financial decisions on a company's stakeholders. This course will also help you to develop the critical thinking skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst