Mapping Smart Power onto the Cardinal Virtues and Cross-Cultural Leadership Dimensions

Abstract

We use smart power as a means to articulate relationships between the concepts of power, culture, and virtue. Following this exposition, we propose that the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance can be considered as foundations of virtuous leadership behaviour within the framework of smart power. Although applying general principles across cultures can be problematic, we present evidence from the GLOBE studies that some types of leader behaviours are considered effective in most cultures. Using smart power as an organising principle we then examine connections between these cross-culturally effective leadership behavioural categories – integrity, inspiration, vision, performance orientation – and the cardinal virtues. Connections between virtue and choice are also examined in respect to how ethical leaders behave when they exercise smart power. Finally, we discuss implications and predictions regarding the use of virtuous leadership behaviours and smart power in management settings based on major world trends such as the growth of globalisation. This chapter concludes by suggesting conceptual connections between individuals’ moral capabilities, applications of smart power, and cross-culturally applicable dimensions of leadership behaviour.