Systematic Literature Review: The Contribution Of Creative Leadership to Sustainable Business Development

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to establish the relevance of Creative Leadership for Sustainable Business Development. The systematic literature review approach was used as the key method for fact finding and the indicated insights were established from an inception pool of 263 journal articles from two databases namely; Scopus (160 articles) and Web of Science (103 articles). Upon exclusion of some articles using the PRISMA 2020 guideline, 189 articles were reviewed and finally 44 articles were incorporated given their specific relevance to the topic. The intext review was carried out with a comprehensive metanalysis aimed at establishing the findings linked to the key research questions. The findings indicate that there is an adequate sign that the involvement, development and guidance of employees is possible and with creative leadership, the adoption of innovative approaches is seamless with the involvement of the employees. The results of the study provide insights that indicate a cordial relevance for creative, innovative, risk resilient and entrepreneurial oriented leadership if a business is keen about embracing change and creativity so as to attain sustainable business development. Creative leadership in organizations is found to drive intricate realities such as the adoption of ESG, ethical leadership and green practices given that management, more so if comprised of experienced members better appreciates the need for mindfulness in the adoption of innovative approaches to business. With the digital trend developments, big data analytics realities, social media marketing and emerging innovative approaches to business practices, the need for creativity as a driving factor by management is seen to be pertinent. Sustainability and therefore the posterity of the organization is assured with the design of a suitable strategy that incorporates creative management approaches and shape the organizational culture, goals and values towards longer term and therefore envisaged sustainable business development. Creative leaders that advocate for collaboration between private entity stakeholders and for government involvement are also found pertinent for sustainable business development. With these findings, organizational leadership and management teams can be inspired to confidently aspire for the adoption of creative approaches that can drive their businesses towards sustainable development.