Is your CEO an accountant? The importance of leadership identity and choices on SMEs

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Who is your chief executive officer (CEO)? Are they tall or short; have an MBA or self-made; are they bullish or cautious; are they smart or limited; are they passionate or cold? There are reams of studies based on CEO characteristics that seek to define types of leaders and the links to choices that are made by them and their company. But do these undoubtedly worthy academic studies ever get anywhere near the truth? By observing CEO characteristics, there will surely be some subjective conclusions that do not actually occur in reality, along with the nagging doubt that we will never really be able to peer behind the curtain to see what is going on at the top table.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2018), "Is your CEO an accountant? The importance of leadership identity and choices on SMEs", Strategic Direction, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 7-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-11-2017-0163