Holistic Development

The way in which holistic development can be pursued depends on how sustainable business models are constructed by actors involved in the value creation (Boons and Lüdeke-Freund 2013). In this respect, consistent leadership models (i.e., ethical leadership and responsible leadership) are crucial because entrepreneurs and managers play a key role in shaping the organizational culture and the decision-making process that affect their everyday routine, as well as intra-organization procedures and structures (Melé 2012; Del Baldo 2016). Ethical leadership rests on personal traits and behaviors such as integrity and transparency in communication with stakeholders (Brown 2005; Capaldi 2013). Responsible leadership facilitates the involvement of stakeholders and the creation of a cohesive internal and external community cemented by values and moral convictions (Jones 2014). The ‘pillars’ by which responsible leaders guide the company toward holistic development include stakeholder consideration, communication, empowerment, inclusion, and long-term orientation (Magni and Pennarola 2015). In summary, holistic development rests on a business model consistent with a leadership model that allows companies to share a strategic orientation toward an integrated development paradigm.