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FrancoAngeli Journals

Articles

No. 2 (2021)

The diffusion of shared leadership models: An exploratory analysis of the Italian listed firms

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/cgrds2-2021oa12542
Submitted
settembre 16, 2021
Published
2022-01-26

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the shared leadership phenomenon in Italian listed firms. In particular, it analyzes the spread of dual leadership, i.e., the presence of two Chief Executive Officers (co-CEOs) at the top of the firm. Recent studies indicate that the shared leadership phenomenon is growing internationally. Literature also underlines that the appointment of co-CEOs is one of the possible organizational responses to manage effectively the growing external complexity. In fact, the appointment of co-CEOs would allow the firm to expand the range of managerial skills and experiences available. In this paper, we analyze this phenomenon among the Italian listed firms in the period 2005-2014. Our results confirm the growing diffusion of shared leadership models, especially in family businesses. They also provide some useful indications regarding the selection of top managers and the configuration of leadership models at the top of firms.

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