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Ethical leadership needed more than ever in a diverse Europe

Macron’s success in the French presidential election represents a move away from the conservative, right-wing wave that has swept over many parts of the world, providing a relative newcomer on the political scene with an opportunity to effect lasting change in a country and a region that is facing serious challenges in diversity management. Professor Kurt April explains...

AS EMMANUEL Macron begins his term as the new French president, it is clear that he has his work cut out for him. He takes up office at one of the most conflicted and uneasy times in his country’s recent history, as well as that of the European Union.

Questions about the union’s efficacy and influence, as well as the ever-increasing, fervent voices ‘for’ and ‘against’ its continuation, have been asked since Brexit. Macron’s political rival, Marine Le Pen, ran a campaign that was rooted in criticism of the EU and France’s immigration policy. 

France is Europe’s second largest trading nation (after Germany) and, along with other nations in the EU, it faces a number of complex issues. These include the country’s role in the conflict in Syria, North Africa and the Middle East, as well as ways to deal with a struggling economy and rising unemployment, coupled with the rise in far-right extremism and passionate nationalism and, last but not least, a flood of immigrants. 

It is estimated that the EU takes in 5 000 new migrants every day and that it will have at least 3 million by the end of 2017. While France has fewer Syrian refugees than Germany, the country is home to 6 million Muslims, contributing to the much-publicised tensions around access to the economy and public institutions. 

This illustrates the need for a new approach to diversity management across the EU. The vast majority of migrants and refugees, seeking to maintain self-identity, choose (in the main) to remain within known cultural norms, therefore not assimilating with the communities where they are based.

This further contributes to suspicion and ‘othering’ by locals. Additionally, nationalistic and right-wing voices use notions of traditional ways of life, suppression of contradiction, and economic arguments to justify the ‘othering’. 

The EU’s lofty goals of serving the common good through globalisation are unfortunately centred mainly on an economic imperative, and together with the social construct of global citizenry seek to find institutional solutions to key global problems – like climate change, infrastructural challenges, food security, global security, health epidemics and the mass migration of people.

But with it has come a threat to those who lack the skills to fully benefit from such globalisation – those who find themselves “stuck” in 20th century industries and mindsets. Such modern notions, which have left many sidelined economically, are being touted as perceived threats to ethnic-based cultures, traditional ways of being, and seen as mainly serving the rich while undermining the poor. 

New kind of nationalism

By taking the focus away from the individual to the greater good, globalisation has inadvertently given rise to a new kind of nationalism. Instead of striving towards creating a global community with common goals, many people have mourned the loss of culture and identity – giving rise to culture politics, which is increasing around the world and may be a contributing factor in the rise of the right. 

The new normal of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity is pervasive across the EU, and there is concern about future market stability and the potential for new conflicts in the region.

The question of who is central and “matters” in this labour market, and who is “marginal”, raises issues around power, meaning, dignity, status, perceived and practised justice, equity and democracy, living standards and virtues, and the value of all life in an ostensibly free society.  

While EU law is robust in terms of providing equality of opportunity, there is much that organisations and governments can do in respect of diversity and inclusion policies and practices to shape how the law works in practice. In the past, there have been surface actions without real impact.

For example, organisations that require a diversity quota when it comes to recruitment interviews, but the selected candidate is never from that quota group, or organisations where dress codes or uniforms are restrictive to some religious communities.

The recent expansion of the EU has forced a rethink of the diversity issue in Europe, and the time is now right for a different kind of discussion regarding the inter-subjectivity of ethics, diversity and leadership – one that incorporates a compelling European vision of a knitted, collective future that works for all its citizens (old and recent).

There has been a loss of faith in governments and institutions, not only in France, but throughout the world. Macron has a small window of opportunity to counter small-minded populism and restore some of this lost faith. The ways in which he deals with the current challenges and the types of dialogue he has with other European governments and institutions could have a transformative effect on European perceptions of diversity, transcultural dynamics and human development.

It is all too easy to remain silent and ignore the underlying turmoil. But a lack of resolution now will lead to a greater divide and further breakdown in community further down the line. Europe needs the kind of leaders who are willing to come to grips with the repressed historical complexes that drive so much of the tensions in communities.

They must be willing to be critical about mental models and constructs of practice, become aware and operate authentically, understand the various interdependences, and engage with others in meaningful and dignifying ways.

In a recent article, my colleague Professor John Luiz stated: “A new generation of leaders is required to make the case for liberalism and the values of freedom, but which recognises the disparities and inequalities that globalisation has often resulted in.”

READ: Wanted: Visionary leaders with a social conscience

It is an ethical challenge that the leaders of the EU face – the need to demonstrate responsible leadership as the starting intent, not under the guise of good intentions. Through meaningful, critical practice, extended language and practical interventions in the lives of individuals, leaders can assist citizens in making sense of and finding meaning in their relationships with other people, cultures and religions.

The byproduct of this will be a more credible and engaged Europe, that will benefit the region not only culturally – but economically as well.

Macron has already demonstrated an early orientation toward inclusive leadership, in which there has been a suspension of ego and narcissistic tendencies. European leaders would do well to emulate this, as they embrace the potential possibilities of the European project, and not succumb to the professed fear of the minority.

Narratives of diversity and inclusion need to be encouraged. Business leaders and those heading up civil organisations need to come on board to help political leaders in demonstrating how diversity can be managed more effectively.

The French nation has voted for moderation and inclusive values, as well as rational calm in the face of bluster and populism. They now await, and wish to partake in, innovative solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Only time will tell whether Macron can be the integrative voice Europe needs to fulfil the promise of the European project.

* Kurt April is Professor of Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion at the UCT Graduate School of Business.

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