New centre: Leadership in turbulent times
Aarhus BSS at Aarhus University is establishing a new centre which, in close collaboration with businesses, will conduct research into how leadership can create sustainable organisations in a world of constant and rapid change.
“Aarhus Center for Leadership and Organizational Sustainability” (ACLOS+) is an interdisciplinary research centre specialising in leadership, with a particular focus on the ability of organisations to create sustainable value, adapt to change and contribute to society on complex terms. The centre is part of the Department of Management at School of Business and Social Sciences (Aarhus BSS), Aarhus University.
“Many popular views on leadership are based on unsubstantiated ideas.” Because leadership is so important in organisations, there’s a need for insights based on sound academic research, and which can be translated into practice,” says Professor Janka Stoker, who, together with Professor Harry Garretsen, will be heading the new centre. They both come from – and will maintain links with – the University of Groningen, which is a strategic partner of Aarhus BSS.
As well as building a strong, international research community, the researchers want to engage in close dialogue with the leaders who are making decisions on a daily basis during these turbulent times.
“Our aim is for the new knowledge we develop to be translated into leadership practices by leaders in businesses and organisations,” says Harry Garretsen.
The centre is already offering a series of monthly breakfast sessions for leaders who wish to hear about the latest leadership research and pick up some practical advice over a cup of coffee.
“The centre is a strong initiative to support the sustainability and innovation strategy of Aarhus University and Aarhus BSS,” says Thomas Pallesen, dean of Aarhus BSS, who, like Hanne Kragh, acting head of the Department of Management, is delighted that ACLOS+ has been successfully established.
“The centre enhances the department’s ability to attract leading international researchers who, working closely with the department’s established researchers, can contribute new insights and solutions for businesses facing leadership challenges at the intersection between sustainability and an increasingly complex geopolitical situation,” says Hanne Kragh.