Innovation doesn't happen without risk. Ethical leadership doesn't happen without pressure. Transformation doesn't happen without fear. The difference? Courage. Courage in Organizations makes the case that courage is not a personality trait reserved for heroes-it is a measurable, teachable capacity that drives performance, innovation, and long-term organizational success. In an era of constant disruption, political polarization, and rapid change, organizations must decide: play it safe or act with conviction. This book shows how courageous leadership fuels psychological safety, strengthens culture, boosts employee engagement, and unlocks bold innovation. Through research-backed insights and compelling examples-from startups taking high-stakes risks to companies taking public social stands-the book reveals how organizations can: Encourage principled decision-making Support ethical action-even when it's unpopular Increase resilience during crisis and transition Retain top talent through trust and authenticity Turn fear into forward momentum Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the disciplined choice to act in alignment with purpose and values. For leaders navigating change, HR professionals building culture, and executives committed to ethical performance, this book provides a framework for building organizations that don't just survive disruption-but lead through it. Because in today's business environment, the greatest competitive advantage isn't speed or scale. It's courage.
David D. Van Fleet is Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University with more than 50 years of experience in management research, teaching, and practice. He has taught at leading universities including Texas A&M, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Akron, specializing in organizational behavior, leadership, and human relations. A prolific scholar, he has published more than 100 journal articles and book chapters on workplace behavior, leadership, and organizational dysfunction.
Review Quotes (p. vii) Author's Note (p. ix) Preface (p. xi) Description (p. xiii) Using This Book (p. xv) Introduction (p. xvii) Chapter 1 Value of Having Courage (p. 1) Chapter 2 Rareness of Courageous Organizations (p. 9) Chapter 3 Eroding Factors (p. 17) Chapter 4 Enabling Factors (p. 25) Chapter 5 Longevity-How Long Will It Last? (p. 35) Chapter 6 Cases (p. 37) Courage Vocabulary (p. 55) Appendix (p. 57) References and Recommended Readings (p. 61) About The Author (p. 63) Index (p. 67)
"Dr. David D. Van Fleet is consummate management scholar, who has published over 100 chapters and articles in scholarly outlets. While this is significant, what is more important in this case is David's ability to take complex topics such as fear in the organization and courage in the organization and make them readable. What's more, he doesn't only make the topics readable but also provides clear steps to put these ideas into action in your organization." - Tim O. Peterson, PhD, Executive Director, West Fargo Area "Education Foundation Organizational theorists tell us that managers must have a thorough understanding of fear and courage in organizations. Unfortunately, there has been no systematic analysis of the role of such emotions and actions in the workplace. In these penetrating volumes, Professor Van Fleet, one of the world's leading scholars on the antecedents and consequences of workplace behavior, fills this void. Managers at every level in the organization will greatly benefit from Professor Van Fleet's brilliant insights." - Dr. Donald Siegel, Foundation Professor of Public Policy and Management and Co-Executive Director, Global Center for Technology Transfer at Arizona State University "Dr. Van Fleet is a renowned expert in the broad field of management and organizational behavior. The issues and challenges associated with fear and courage in organizations are poorly understood and these books will provide valuable information for managers." - Ricky W. Griffin, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Mays Business School Texas A&M University
