Cultural perspectives on responsible leadership

: a qualitative comparison between Germany and Portugal

Abstract

This study explores cultural perspectives on Responsible Leadership (RL) between Germany and Portugal, focusing on perceptions, enablers, barriers and benefits in these two different cultural contexts. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews analyse German leaders' subjective perceptions and compare them with findings from a previous study of Portuguese leaders. The findings indicate that both German and Portuguese leaders share a holistic understanding of RL, emphasizing employee well-being, although their priorities differ. While Germans prioritize operational efficiency, the Portuguese value adaptability. Key enablers in both countries include experience. Both groups face challenges related to time constraints; additionally, German leaders focus on balancing stakeholder interests, and Portuguese leaders emphasize market volatility. RL is recognized in both countries for improving employee motivation. Furthermore, German managers highlighted improvements in organisational networking, while Portuguese managers noted direct financial benefits. The findings highlight the critical role of cultural values in the perception and implementation of RL and provide valuable insights for global leaders on the importance of cultural sensitivity. Future research should expand sample sizes and consider dynamic cultural models to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

Date of Award	7 May 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Nuno Moreira da Cruz (Supervisor)