A bibliometric analysis of ethical leadership and sustainable performance

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current state of research on ethical leadership and sustainability using bibliometric analysis, and to identify emerging trends to guide future studies. Decision-making in today’s complex business environment must consider the well-being of the organization, its employees and the environment. Ethical leadership plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A total of 903 original articles, review papers and early access publications were retrieved from the Web of Science database and analyzed using Biblioshiny. Performance metrics, science mapping and thematic visualizations were used to examine research trends and relationships. Findings The study reveals a growing but fragmented body of research linking ethical leadership to sustainable performance. It highlights connections between leadership and sustainability’s economic, social and environmental dimensions. Based on the findings, the study proposes future research directions to address existing gaps and guide upcoming research. Originality/value This study provides a foundation for advancing theory and practice through the identification of existing studies and gaps in knowledge. The study’s findings, by synthesizing existing studies and identifying knowledge gaps, identify underexplored areas of ethical leadership and sustainable performance, such as green innovation, resilience and stakeholder trust, and offer a roadmap for advancing the field. The findings contribute to current knowledge, emphasizing the critical role of ethical leadership in enhancing sustainability.