Center for Social Innovation

Faculty: Charles O'Reilly, Joel Peterson

What does it mean to be a principled leader? What role do values play in an organization, and how do successful leaders apply their values in their daily business lives? This course examines the concept of principled leadership and the various ways leaders try to institutionalize particular values within their organizations. It also explores the difficult challenges they sometimes face when trying to apply their principles in a tough, fast-paced business environment, where others may not share the same expectations.

Through assigned readings, interactive lectures with visiting executives, and weekly small group discussions, students learn how practicing leaders implement their principles, while reflecting the realities of different cultural expectations and meeting business demands. The course provides a forum for students to think about their own personal values, leadership styles, and long-term aspirations.

This elective course is offered to all Stanford GSB and Sloan students. Current students, please check MyGSB for more information.