What Does An MBA Teach You About Responsible Leadership?

This article was first published on Business Because and written by Jonathan Oldaker on July 30, 2020.

In today’s business world, ethical leadership is essential. Companies seek leaders who balance success with responsibility and sustainability. At HHL, responsible leadership is a core part of the curriculum—integrated through the Leipzig Leadership Model, case studies, and personal reflection. HHL equips students with the skills and mindset to lead ethically and effectively.

Curious to learn more? Explore why responsible leadership is essential, how HHL integrates it into its programs, and what it means for your future career.

Responsible leadership: A career must-have

The demand for responsible leaders isn’t just a trend—it’s reshaping the business world. Even MBA rankings, like those of the Financial Times, now include Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a key factor. This reflects a shift away from focusing solely on high salaries and towards the impact leaders have on society and sustainability.

Governments and organizations increasingly expect companies to act transparently and commit to sustainable practices. For MBA and Master’s students, understanding responsible leadership is no longer just a “nice-to-have” skill—it’s a career necessity. Future leaders will have to make decisions that impact not only their companies but also employees, communities, and the environment.

Responsible leadership at HHL

At HHL, responsible leadership is a core part of the curriculum from day one. Students are introduced to the Leipzig Leadership Model, which helps leaders navigate today’s fast-changing business world. The model focuses on four key aspects:

To put these concepts into practice, HHL’s programs include case studies, debates, and interactive teaching methods. A unique feature is the co-teaching approach, where two professors present opposing views on leadership challenges. This helps students critically assess different perspectives and form their own ethical leadership style.

Leadership reflection: a key skill

One of the most valuable exercises at HHL is self-reflection. After each session, students write personal reflection notes and discuss them privately with peers. This process encourages them to think deeply about their leadership values and decisions.

HHL also offers coaching programs, helping students develop their individual leadership style throughout their studies.

Career impact of responsible leadership

More and more companies actively seek leaders with a strong ethical mindset. In fact, the world’s largest asset managers have doubled their hiring of sustainable investing teams in the last three years. This reflects a shift in the job market: Employers value responsible leadership skills just as much as technical business expertise.

At HHL, students don’t just learn business strategies—they also develop the mindset to lead responsibly. Through networking, discussions, and real-world case studies, they gain the tools to make ethical, sustainable, and impactful business decisions throughout their careers.