Introduction: Leadership and corporate social responsibility

Purpose - The purpose of this Guest editorial is to introduce a much needed special issue on leadership and sustainability/CSR, and to provide a road-map for readers as to focus and content. And, last but not least, it seeks to present an opportunity for the Guest editor to thank the many kind people who gave of their time to review the many papers submitted for this special issue. If it were not for their help and wisdom, the project would not have been possible. Design/methodology/approach - The Guest editorial begins by reviewing some of the key issues facing leaders in organizations operating in a context of both serious global social problems and looming environmental crises. Findings - It was found that, while books and articles focusing on CSR abound, there is very little that addresses the leadership aspect, and even less that is based on sound empirical research. Originality/value - The introduction provides a brief overview of the articles contained in the special issue and a summary of what each contributes to the field.