Republic Journal

In recent times, the word ‘leadership’ has become synonymous with many a varied connotation. The global political climate is under intense scrutiny, fueled by an outpouring of almost daily breaking news from the United States. It’s impossible not to question how such headlines, and the subsequent responses from those in a position of power, can affect us on a psychological level.

Within the last decade, one of the biggest topics to emerge in the global conversations about the future of business and society is Leadership. Rightfully so, as there seems to be no shortage of incidences of poor leadership, the stories of how they have cost millions, and worst of all, how bad (but possibly well-intentioned) decisions have irrevocably affected the lives of millions.

When the price of oil fell from an annual average of US$93 per barrel in 2014 to US$49 in 2015 and then to US$43 in 2016, severe consequences were imposed on the domestic economy, which were exacerbated by the fall in gas and oil output during the period. The direct effect was a significant fall in revenue from the energy sector, which in turn led to a contraction in GDP, the deterioration of public finances and increased unemployment.

You may not have heard of the YouTuber, Logan Paul, who has over 15 million subscribers and 16 million followers on Instagram (LoganPaul). But it’s a safe bet that most millennials know of the self-described “goofy dude with BIG goals”.

In recent years there has been a huge shift in the value and importance that both people and organisations place on social good. Together, both the rise of social media and the coming of age of the socially minded millennial generation are working to expand our understanding of what it means to be socially responsible – best described as a social good revolution.