2.2. The connection between responsible leadership and Human Resources (HRs)
The definition of responsible leadership says that it is "… the global exercise of ethical, values-based leadership in the pursuit of economic and societal progress and sustainable development (…), the art of motivating,
communicating, empowering, and convincing people to engage with a new vision of sustainable development and the necessary change that this implies" (The United Nations Global Compact and European Foundation for
Management Development, 2008). Authors underline both rational (effectiveness), as well as the emotional dimension of behaviour of responsible leaders (Waldman, 2011). "Responsible leadership is a multilevel
phenomenon involving individuals, groups and organizations that emphasizes leadership effectiveness, ethical behaviour, respect for stakeholders and economically, socially and environmentally sustainable practices". Responsible leadership concerns the relationships that result in obtaining common benefits by solving problems that
are significant to society (Ciula, 2006). An appropriate leadership style is one of the challenges for most organizations operating in contemporary world of rapid change and the need for continuous development of human
potential of the organization. Organizations need leaders who will not only manage people, but who will first of all work with them to achieve common goals, who will inform about changes in the organization and participate in
analyzing and solving individual and group problems (Borkowska 1998 p.79).