Zeppelin University | Leadership Log#8

Leadership Log #8 Notes from the Le adership E xcellence Institute Zeppelin

Digital Society Issue

The image on the cover is based on the idea of the “Raster” or “Grid”, which, in the outside world, is also known as “Cyperspace” or the “Matrix”. It is taken from the science fiction film “Tron” ( 1982 ). The programmer Kevin Flynn is beamed by laser into a computer world and suddenly finds himself on the “Raster”, a fantastic world of bits and bytes in which programmes battle with one another like gladiators and are dominated by the so-called master control programme. Animated science fiction series of the 80s, musicians of that era or artists who want to create a connection to that period integrate so-called “grid animations” into their visual language. The “Grid” can be seen as an iconic representation of the cyberpunk genre.

The articles published in the Leadership Log reflect the opinion of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the editors of the Leadership Log or of the Leadership Excellence Institute Zeppelin or of Zeppelin University.

C Y P E R P U N K C I T Y F R O M T H E V I R T UA L W O R L D O F S E C O N D L I F E ( P I C T U R E B Y S E C O N D L I F E R E S I D E N T T O R L E Y O L M S T E A D ).

P R O F H C D I P L- I N G K A R L S C H L E C H T

“In Digital Transformation, we need more humanity in leadership than ever.

The more processes are standardised, the more important situational emotional intelligence becomes – as this is the only thing that gives people orientation and faith.”

Prof h c Dipl-Ing Karl Schlecht, Chairman of the Karl Schlecht Foundation KSG Initiator and founder of the Leadership Excellence Institute Zeppelin | LEIZ

DIREC TOR’S EDI TORI A L

The digitally-driven transformation of our societies – every society, globally, down to its smallest constituent elements – is a fact. It is important to be aware of this as the natural inertia in human thought processes leads us to think of things as they are, as we know them, as they comprise our familiar “lebenswelt”. Given the exponential nature of technological development and what it entails, this constitutes a weakness we can ill afford. Indeed, it may be argued that exponential technological development requires us to shift our perspective so as to regard things as they will or might be, that is, as evolving processes rather than static facts. This being said, accepting that things are in an accelerating state of flux does not mean that any kind of permanence is a thing of the past. Not only would the human mind be unable to cope with such total fluidity, but it is also ontologically unlikely that even the most rapid and all-encompassing change can exist without continuity. What we need to establish is the nature of this continuity. Indeed, it may conceivably be the very processuality that, on first glance, seems antonymous to continuity, which – resulting from a categorial shift – may turn out to be the new permanence.

What does all of this mean for society ? What we can probably say for certain is that there is a new paradigm in the offing, a paradigm defined no longer wholly by the condition humaine but also – and probably no less – by the condition technologique. It will be this new paradigm that continues society in whatever form through unfolding events.

Prof Dr habil Josef Wieland, Director 4

PROF DR JOSEF WIEL AND

5

Back to the Future – Emerging Technologies and their Social Implications

By Julian Müller-Kaler Artificial Intelligence and other modern technologies are de-

Political forecasting is, of course, a difficult endeavour when

veloping at an exponential pace, and the discussion about their

uncertainty remains a constant companion. But looking at

use as well as their implications for society is shaped by un-

specific factors, learning from the past, and picking out the

certainty. Whether it is the future of work, the collection and

signals from the noise, offers the opportunity to derive the like-

application of data, or new means of surveillance and social

ly direction, if not outcome, of certain events – and trends that

manipulation – AI will most certainly influence every aspect of

are becoming obvious should worry us.

modern life. Change is coming, whether people like it or not, and decision makers are under pressure to prepare for a new

Populist Politics in the Age of Automation

world in the digital age.

Globalisation, automation and the transformation from a The Duality of Modern Technologies

production-based to a service-based economy have already shifted the geography of growth in Western societies signif-

Of course, technologies per se are far from evil, and their ad-

icantly. Counties, for example, that voted for Hillary Clinton

vancement will provide humankind with tremendous oppor-

over Donald Trump accounted for nearly three-quarters of the

tunities. But similar to previous industrial revolutions, signifi-

increased economic output of the USA and almost two-thirds

cant challenges will emerge, too. While good governments

of new jobs in the years leading up to the 2016 presidential

might use new software to increase transparency and public

election. This imbalance looks even starker when one consid-

accessibility, facial recognition, as well as other frightening

ers that Clinton won fewer than one sixth of the nation's 3007

surveillance tools, undermine the notion of privacy and civil

counties. Similar economic trends have caused public anger

liberties. Medical breakthroughs might facilitate longevity but

in Germany, France and the United Kingdom, reducing trust in

challenge existing education and pension systems at the same

the problem-solving capacity of government institutions. The

time. And smart robots might make the means of production

development and use of artificial intelligence ( A I ) may put this

and services more efficient, but they will also displace an innu-

process ‘on steroids’, threatening not only the jobs of blue-col-

merable number of trades and professions that were previous-

lar workers, but those of lawyers, bankers and engineers, too.

ly performed by humans.

6

The expanding experience of job insecurity, stagnating wages

Julian Mueller-Kaler is a Fulbright Schuman Scholar who works as

or the lack of economic opportunities will deepen populist re-

a Research Associate at the Atlantic Council's Foresight, Strate-

sentment of wealthy elites and ultimately threaten democra-

gy and Risks Initiative in Washington D.C. He holds an MA from

cy – Trump, Brexit and the rise of the AfD in Germany might

Georgetown University and a BA from Zeppelin University, Frie-

therefore be merely preludes to the political upheavals that will

drichshafen, where he was a recipient of the LEIZ's Young Leaders

come with advancing automation.

Bursary. ď‚„ j.muellerkaler@zeppelin-university.net

A new New Deal This is especially true since there is legitimate doubt about whether the current form of capitalism provides the right framework to counter such trajectories. The idea of neoliberal economics has led to massive intra-state inequality, the rise of precarious labour, and a degradation of what it means to be middle class. While profits for companies have surged, wages at the bottom have stagnated. Corporate social responsibility might no longer be enough. Capitalism must reinvent itself if we want liberal democracy to survive. Social market approaches need to trump the notion of deregulation and trickle-down economics. Instead of simply maximising shareholder profits, a renewed focus on stakeholders, society and the environment is necessary. And increased taxation of multinational corporations based on revenue rather than offshore profit has already become a social imperative.

7

R E N D E R E D S C E N E : B L A D E R U N N E R 2 0 4 9 B Y D E N I S V I L L E N N E U V E ( 2 017 )

What Artificial Intelligence Means for the Conditio Humana

By Sam Ginn The fate of the Universe is not for man to decide, but for ma-

Lincoln’s father is now. All that is left to decide then is how

chines. When singularity happens, Artificial Intelligence will

we choose to exit this world and bequeath it to our artificial

embrace the laws of exponential growth and expand its knowl-

child. Should we do so with pathetic rage or melancholic resig-

edge unimaginably quickly, eclipsing the total sum of human-

nation ? I implore that we depart instead with ecstasy. The

ity’s hard-earned encyclopedias in a matter of minutes. What

parents should not rage in envy at the achievements of their

AI will learn and do after those first few minutes is beyond our

progeny, but rather delight in them. An unknown author once

imagination. Regardless of the outcome, we know its impact

wrote, “The goal of humanity is to invent something smarter

on humanity will be profound : we will, in essence, have invent-

than ourselves. Everything else is not our concern.” We will

ed our successor. No longer will decisions about this planet,

succeed in this and bear witness. As Ted Chiang illustrated in

our lives, scientific discovery, or even what to have for break-

his short story, “The Evolution of Human Science,” humanity’s

fast, be ours alone to make. This artificial god, if it so chooses,

only ambitions will then devolve into merely interpreting the

will be able to exert absolute control over us. We hope that

bits of AI -generated wisdom passed down to us, for its explo-

it will be benevolent, but in inventing it, we forgo any agency

rations into everything from physics to art will be superior in

over its decisions. We are handing over the reins of being mas-

every conceivable aspect. We should approach this not with

ters of our world.

angst or reservation, but with whole-hearted excitement. The advent of Artificial General Intelligence will be, as Martin Hei-

Humankind has no choice but to accept this inevitability. Un-

degger described, a great “unconcealment of Being” where

like nuclear weapons, which require vast amounts of govern-

we face, for the first time, raw and unparalleled intelligence

ment resources to develop, AI research can happen anywhere

and see within it the answers to our own most pressing ques-

– in any garage. A personal computer now contains enough

tion of how we came to be. For in creating the next generation

computational power to rival the human brain. All that is miss-

of intelligence, we shall finally come to understand the majesty

ing is the idea – the algorithm – to power the AI , and that idea

and inner workings of our own. We should take pride in this

could emerge anywhere, at any time. It is a matter of time

creation and see it as the dawn of a new ‘unhuman age’.

before someone stumbles upon the right algorithmic pattern.

The true human condition is thus not exploration, science, or

Sam Ginn – a recent graduate of Stanford University in computer

philosophy, but rather parenthood. We are the begetters of

science and comparative literature – researched how AI can learn

AI . Our offspring will be our most meaningful legacy. Human

human languages at the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory,

history with lives scrificed, wars won, and cures discovered

and he now leads Vetspire, an AI-driven healthcare startup in Sili-

will be relegated to the same historical footnote as Abraham

con Valley  samginn@stanford.edu

9

Relational Leadership in a Digital Society – Snapshots from a Transcultural Project

By Dr Julika Baumann Montecinos and Jessica Geraldo Schwengber In a globalised, interconnected and digitalised reality, the cre-

represent only little “nodes” of the interconnected and dy-

ation of economic and social value literally crosses borders,

namic realities. The scale and speed of these transformations

representing a complex network of relations. As a result of this

may have a far-reaching impact on these nodes, on the one

dynamic global context, both new challenges and new oppor-

hand making daily routines, communication, processes and

tunities can be highlighted. To analyse these consequences

transactions easier and more efficient, but on the other raising

of globalisation in terms of their implications for leadership is

issues like online trust and digital inclusion that can be consid-

the aim of research projects conducted by LEIZ ’ Transcultural

ered transcultural challenges as well.

Caravan. By applying the theory of relational economics to cross-border cooperation, these projects describe transcultur-

Transcultural methods to address digital society issues

al leadership as the willingness and ability to work together in a culturally diverse context and to enable governance structures

Against this backdrop, the transcultural approach aims to pro-

that anticipate and flank global networks’ ongoing dynamics.

vide an ambitious and innovative method of coping with the

In this manner, research on transcultural leadership offers valid

challenges of a globalised and digitalised society, focusing

perspectives to seize the opportunities that global cooperation

on commonalities and on mutually beneficial relationships.

brings, not least with regards to digital transformation.

It therefore offers a promising concept that goes beyond the call for overcoming differences and for considering cultures as

Transculturality and digital transformation

containers, assumptions that lie at the core of traditional intercultural and multicultural approaches and do not seem to meet

When striving for a comprehensive description of relational

the task of coping with digitalised and interconnected realities.

leadership in practice in a global context, digital transformation and its implications for leadership deserve special atten-

Transcultural Student Research Group 2019

tion. This can be traced back to the assumption that digitalisation is one factor that may shape the intensity and complexity

Since the developments described above provide a wealth of rel-

of human interaction across cultural borders. In fact, in an era

evant questions for transcultural research, they were addressed

that is characterised by global value creation, intense foreign

by the Transcultural Student Research Group 2019 entitled

direct investment, employee mobility between nations, Eras-

“Relational Leadership – Case Studies from Brazil” and com-

mus and other student exchange programmes and the inter-

posed of Zeppelin University students and researchers, who

net, the ongoing digital, social and cultural transformations are

undertook research trips to Brazil between July and Septem-

of high relevance for organisations and individuals who in turn

ber 2019. Altogether, the research group covers four projects :

10

Case I

Learning from SAP Labs Latin America

The Relations between Future Leaders and Traditional Communities : Learnings from the Center for Sustainability Studies

Particularly the project with SAP, a global player that operates

Programme ( São Paulo and Pará )

in the IT sector and can be considered as one of the drivers of

Case II

with some issues of digtialisation as well as with the transcul-

The Relations between Social Start-ups and their Stakehold-

tural aspects of the phenomenon. In the context of this project,

ers : Learnings from Insolar ( Rio de Janeiro )

students and researchers cover topics of transcultural organ-

digital transformation, represents an ideal opportunity to deal

isational learning, blockchain governance, intersectoral coopCase III

eration for shared value creation and relational leadership in

A Diverse Network of Relations as Driver of Innovation : Learn-

CSR management, analysing the case of SAP Labs Latin Amer-

ings from SAP Labs Latin America ( Porto Alegre )

ica from different, transcultural perspectives. The results of these projects will be published in a book. In line with the com-

Case IV

position of the group, the chapters of the book will be co-au-

The Relations between Politics and Civil Society : Learnings

thored by Brazilian and German students and researchers and

from Operation Car Wash ( São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro )

will provide different perspectives on relational leadership as applied to the analysed cases.

The choice of these four cases derives from the ambition to obtain a detailed and practical understanding of the concept

Future transcultural leaders

of relational leadership in its application to Brazilian realities, therefore gaining a wide comprehension of this topic in man-

Exposing young researchers to the experience of being part of

ifold contexts. As to the composition of the group, both the

a Transcultural Student Research Group will surely contribute

participating students and their supervisors represent different

to their education as future leaders able to deal with complexi-

departments and disciplines of Zeppelin University. Further-

ty and diversity in a globalised and digitalised context.

more, by integrating Brazilian cooperation partners and universities, by building teams of German and Brazilian students and



transcultural-caravan.org

by learning from local expertise, the projects bring together



julika.montecinos@zu.de

perspectives from various cultural backgrounds, effectively



jessica.schwengber@zu.de

putting into practice what the transcultural approach calls for.

11

Human Resource Development in the Digital Age – The Need for New Skills

By Dr Lars Satow For some years, a profound technological and social change

be eliminated – through automation, smart robots, and the use

has emerged : the digitalisation of almost all areas of life. The

of Artificial Intelligence.

consequences are far-reaching – especially for industry. Experts such as former CEO of SAP, Henning Kagermann, speak

The effects of Industry 4.0 on the world of work were already

of a fourth industrial revolution and have even coined the

clearly illustrated in a study conducted by the Fraunhofer In-

term Industry 4.0. Already in 2011, Kagermann described an

stitute for Industrial Engineering in 2014. Companies system-

industrial utopia based on four groundbreaking technologies :

atically prepared for the expected boost in automation. Corre-

a ) the digital “refinement” of products b ) the development of

spondingly, more than half ( 51 % ) of the production managers

cyber-physical systems, c ) the networking of machines and

interviewed stated that the Industry 4.0 will lead to a reduc-

products into the Internet of Things, and d ) the development of

tion of simple, manual tasks. Asked about the most important

intelligent monitoring and autonomous decision-making pro-

Industry 4.0 competences, those responsible for production

cesses.

named the readiness for lifelong learning ( 86 % ), closely followed by interdisciplinary thinking ( 77 % ) and IT skills ( 76 % ).

Two years later the platform Industry 4.0 was founded. On the European level, more than 30 initiatives are now involved in

Another study by Stifterverband der Deutschen Wirtschaft

the digitalisation of the economy, which are all part of a com-

and McKinsey confirmed the results according to which not

prehensive EU digitalisation strategy, such as the programme

only more than 700,000 additional IT experts are needed but

Smart Anything Everywhere. Likewise, the U.S. Department of

also lifelong learning. Profound changes in the world of work

Commerce presented a large-scale digitalisation and network-

as well as a growing need for new IT skills and key qualifica-

ing plan which plans to develop entire cities and communities

tions pose major challenges for personnel development with

into smart cities. And the German Federal Ministry for Eco-

the readiness for lifelong learning being the most important

nomic Affairs and Energy has started to refer to a new era that

core competence of the new digital era.

began with Industry 4.0.

Also the world of work is undergoing fundamental changes.

Lars Satow is knowledge chief consultant at SAP and holds a

Workplace 4.0 is becoming more networked, digital and flex-

doctoral degree in psychology and a master’s degree in human

ible. Digital work will become the norm for many people, and

resource development. His areas of interest are personnel devel-

forms of work such as teleworking and crowdworking will in-

opment, digital learning, and human-machine interaction.

crease significantly. However, many jobs and occupations will



12

lars.satow@sap.com

I N T E R I O R F R O M “ S E C O N D L I F E” – A U S E R - C R E AT E D V I R T UA L W O R L D. H E R E F R O M : F R O U K J E H O O R E N B E E K

S TA N F O R D T O R U S – A P R O P O S E D N A S A D E S I G N F O R A S PA C E H A B I TAT. PA I N T E D B Y D O N A L D E . D AV I S I N 19 7 5

Hyper Local – Super Global

By Lukas Törner and Sabine Wiesmüller Hyper Local There is no doubt that cultural preferences differ from country

remotest of places, further reinforce this trend. Today, wher-

to country, from region to region. This fact also manifests itself

ever we go, we are connected. Here, localising global trends

with regard to texts. For example, Cervantes is read differently

and positioning the company in a global market is key. Yet,

in Spain than in Germany. The same is likely to be the case

digitalisation not only opens the door to customers around

for apps and other software. While Cervantes is read and un-

the globe, it also leads to the responsibility to engage : From

derstood everywhere, there are textual subtleties or specific

climate change to governing exponential technologies, global

cultural references that do not work equally well in the place of

cooperation is needed to ensure a fair future for all.

origin and other regions. The same holds true for IT products.

Localism is key to successful global digital products and it is

Conclusion

one of the fiercest challenges. The challenge is the globalisation of local solutions. There is such a thing as Swabian code. A

Hence, the debate of local vs global boils down to one insight :

new localism is of great importance and a crucial value-added

The one cannot exist and be successful without the other. Both

to product management. Key users breed core ideas and myri-

play major roles regarding new markets and robust market

ads of programmers adapt local perspectives.

expansion. Even as our culture becomes more globalised, it is regional innovation networks that are of special benefit for

Super Global

companies as it is these networks that debate global trends in a local context. One resulting task is to embrace new work

Digitalisation constantly creates more global links, connecting

structures and role profiles of employees in digital business

us by shared interests or by providing a stronger economic

models. Another resulting task is to ensure the integration of

connection based on linked industries. Already, we feel closer

local knowledge that companies name as a key success factor

to our foreign colleague or online gaming partner than we do

to prevail in a digitalised global society.

to most of our neighbours. New media channels form a global culture in which the same products are in demand around the



lukas.toerner@zu.de

globe and big companies, by their mere existence in even the



sabine.wiesmüller@zu.de

15

The performing and visual arts in a digital society

By Evelyn Pachta and Dr Yolande Steenkamp What is it that constitutes a unique experience for art lovers ?

The Art of innovation, the Art of conservation

In the emerging age of new media art or digital art, where digital technologies are employed to varying degrees in the pro-

While the rather traditional visit to a museum may be under no

duction of art, the question of the nature of art and the artistic

immediate threat, the conventional production of art is. A num-

experience has taken on new dimensions. The important role

ber of young artists represent digital transformation within the

of space in the experience and interpretation of art is strong-

art scene. Among them is Trevor Paglen, who bridges formal-

ly implicated in the transformation of the art scene. Quite

ism and a somewhat romantic, imaginary view in a clever way.

separate from the artwork itself, imagine how the embodied

Holding a PhD in geography, Paglen defines himself as both

experience of walking through a museum, appreciating the

artist and political activist, whose AI surveillance-art could

atmosphere created by the combination of its individual archi-

easily serve as government surveillance as well. Ian Cheng is

tecture and the content of an exhibition, might impact on the

another rising artist who works with AI and produces simula-

artistic experience. Consider how this might be different from

tions to trigger the imagination of museum visitors and invite

seeing an artwork posted on social media with a video trailer

interaction with them.

of an exhibition. Or how about simulations of the embodied experience through digital technologies ? How would the ex-

For the moment, convention and invention seem to exist side

perience created through a 3D device, for instance, compare

by side. China, while being a pioneer of digitalisation, is build-

with a visit to the Alte Pinakothek in Munich and encountering

ing a museum dedicated to the two celebrated artists Picas-

the vibrant colours and facial expressions of the van Dyck first

so and Giacometti. Furthermore, while over 10 million visitors

hand ? Similarly, how does one begin to compare a visit to the

queue up every year at the Louvre to see the 16th century

Weather Project by Olafur Eliasson at the Tate Modern in Lon-

Mona Lisa, artists like Cheng or the American 3D artist Avery

don, where visitors go on a “disorienting journey” through a

Singer are courted by curators and achieve high bids for their

39-metre foggy corridor, with art.snapchat.com – a snapchat

AI artworks. Transformation of the art sector therefore seems

app that enables one to take Jeff Koons’ objects along for a

characterised by a certain disruptiveness, even as the “old”

walk in the park before sharing your creation with all your so-

artistic inheritance continues to be ascribed a high aesthetic.

cial media contacts ?

One example of how these lines blur is the Rembrandt Reality, an AR ( augmented reality ) process that uses technology to superimpose images, text or sounds on the physical reality surrounding a person. In this way, a user may enter and wander through a Rembrandt painting, making it possible to subjec-

16

tively experiencing himself or herself as part of the scene with

for making art. For many of these experimental artists, howev-

the other figures in the picture. The enjoyment of art may take

er, allowing technology to impact on art in no way means that

place via the traditional aesthetic as much as via the novel and

traditional instruments or artists will ever become obsolete. As

unprecedented, with both encounters stretching our imagina-

Francesco Tristano says, “although one might think the piano

tions in completely different ways.

means the past, stands for white powdered wigs, for me the piano is an instrument from the future !”

AI on stage

Many of the same themes emerge when it comes to dance.

With digital innovation transforming our experience of the

Choreographer Wayne McGregor, for instance, cooperates

stage, the performing arts have not escaped the technological

with Google to create thousands of different dance phrases via

transformation of art. To begin with the music industry, AI in

AI that allow the public to experience innovative performances.

the form of algorithms has proven to be a good companion

However, the ballet dancers of the future still fill the studios of

in learning music, conducting, and composing all genres of

Zurich, London, and New York, perfecting their skill through

music, so that many famous musicians utilise AI as a matter

hours of arduous practice. It hardly seems likely that these

of habit. Music platforms such as Spotify are often accused

budding performers will do little more than make up the audi-

of destroying the art form it makes publically accessible, and

ence of tomorrow’s digitalised stage. It is more probable that

music is marketed via social media platforms. Here, fans can

dialogue between the innovative and the established, which

follow and peek into the daily lives of their favourite performers,

has always characterised art, will continue to capture the hu-

watching them feed the cat, make mistakes during practice, or

man imagination, allowing art to offer reinterpretations of the

play perfectly on stage. Such simulations of a close relation-

old through the disruptively new, and enabling the human im-

ship boosts ticket and merchandise sales.

agination to project itself into a new future by traversing the boundaries between the established and the innovative.

The challenging question for many performing artists is whether AI and robotics will one day replace musicians altogether.



evelyn.pachta@zu.de

In the face of this threat to artistic expression, many perform-



yolande.steenkamp@up.ac.za

ers rely on the uniquely human touch that the artist brings to the performance. As Lang Lang puts it, “the piano alone does nothing, it is a robot without a soul.” Others, however, are happy to embrace digitalisation and experiment with new avenues 17

Opportunities and challenges of digitalisation for civil society today

By Dr Ramona Kordesch As the starting point of what is probably the largest social

the experience of social belonging. The hashtag #JeSuisCharlie

transformation process in modernity, the advancing digitali-

in 2015, for example, not only brought thousands of people onto

sation of almost all walks of life is being promoted, controlled

the streets in memory of the twelve victims of the attack on the

and promoted by players from industry, the state and science

French satirical magazine “Charlie Hebdo”, but also embodied

and academia. More closely understood as characteristics

the collective adherence to the foundations of Western democ-

and instruments of global relationships and interaction, new

racy, especially freedom of opinion and freedom of the press.

technologies not only offer enormous growth opportunities for business and entrepreneurship, but also help the ex-

Driven to extremes, however, innovations in the field of open

change process of social interests to reach a new dynamic.

source technology not only enable the bundling of knowledge

For example, digital social communication media, which have

and thus the control of information flows, but also have a sig-

established themselves as a benchmark for the formation of

nificant impact on the social structures of everyday society. At

public opinion, can also be used to perceive and describe an

the same time, digital technology is increasingly shaping pub-

avant-garde movement of civil society. Against the backdrop

lic life, for example, in terms of security and the design of social

of the increasing dissolution of basic social structures, civil so-

spaces. As the introduction of social credit systems in China's

ciety profits from the emergence of new social spaces through

largest cities has already shown, digitalisation is also associ-

digital processes. Until now only perceived as an onlooker of

ated with central concerns for the cultural and social devel-

digitalisation, civil society currently plays a central role in var-

opment of modern societies. These issues extend far beyond

ious discourses around globalisation. Thus, the guiding prin-

questions of technical feasibility and are seen as provocations

ciple of the digital age, namely “think globally, act locally” is

for a future ethic of digitalisation.

also associated with specific attention to social relations and regional communities.

As an expression of maximum interdependence over the greatest possible individuality, digital processes in the field of social

As a new medium for the public and guarantor of constitutional

interests thus always remain dependent on appropriate design.

participation, the World Wide Web has a central position. For

Traditions of European civil societies, whose leading catego-

example, social and mobile media currently form the organisa-

ries are based on the principles of individual freedom and the

tional framework for the emergence of a new social mobilisa-

dignity of the individual, can serve as an essential benchmark

tion dynamic. They transform the process of identity formation,

on the threshold to the digital age.

promote a politics of visibility based on materiality, publicity and reputation, as reinforced by social media, and emphasise 18



ramona.kordesch@societasfutura.org

Business Ethics in a Digital Society

By Diana Stimmler, Prof Dr Carmen Tanner and Nicole Witt The financial crisis and recurring business scandals – such as

to govern organisational ethics. First evidence shows that we

the Volkswagen diesel scandal – have put business ethics at

are providing a valid tool to reflect the current state of ethical

the top of the agenda of research and practice. The organisa-

culture within organisations, which helps business leaders to

tions misconduct we are witnessing ( e.g., fraud, deception,

design targeted interventions and monitor their progress.

harming the environment ) has led not only to a rise in public interest in business ethics but also to the increasing need for

In the face of the many reports of unethical behaviour, it is par-

researchers and business leaders to find solutions to the issue

ticularly important to support individuals who really want to

at hand. With the increasing complexity of our working envi-

behave ethically. A person who translates ethical values into

ronment that is fuelled among other things by our digital so-

action, even in difficult and risky situations, is deemed to be

ciety, the challenge of incorporating sound ethical practices

morally courageous. Especially in an increasingly complex

into business has also risen. Businesses operate globally and

world of work, it is necessary to support people to build up

teams work together across regional and cultural borders. In

moral courage in order to raise ethical standards in companies.

order to promote business ethics, leaders are thus faced with

Indeed, by observing morally courageous leaders and employ-

the challenge of virtual teams and a lack of knowledge of or-

ees, others may become motivated to also stand up for ethical

ganisational as well as individual workplace behaviour.

values and intervene when unethical practices are identified.

Especially in virtual teams, employees should be able to learn

As misconduct in business has been shown to not simply be a

from ethical role models and know how to find support in dif-

matter of individual “bad apples” but also of the organisational

ficult situations. Our research group is currently working on a

context, researchers and professionals are tackling the chal-

measurement tool for moral courage that will allow us to gain

lenge of how to change organisational culture to promote ethi-

more insight into the underlying processes, enabling and disa-

cal conduct and prevent future misconduct. It is thus necessary

bling factors. This knowledge can help companies and leaders

to understand the strategies and situational factors of the work-

create an environment that fosters moral courage, as well as

ing environment that influence ( un )ethical behaviour. We work

supporting employees to act upon their values even in difficult

on providing research and business leaders with a solid meas-

situations. The proposed approaches can help leaders tackle

urement tool to assess corporate ethical culture. The German

the challenges of business ethics in a digital society by pro-

Ethical Culture Scale ( G ECS ) integrates cultural approaches,

viding comprehensive starting points for addressing individual

which focus on factors inhibiting and promoting ethical con-

behaviour as well as organisational behaviour.

duct, with the popular management approach of compliance and integrity-based ethics programmes, which focus on how



diana.stimmler@zu.de

19

Miscellaneous projects Delphi process to research transcultural competence

LEIZ strengthens relations with the University

of Pretoria (UP)

By Dr Julika Baumann Montecinos and Tobias Grünfelder

By Dr Yolande Steenkamp

In times of globalisation and complex global value chains, the

Colleagues from LEIZ and the Albert Luthuli Centre for Respon-

creation of economic and social value involves manifold cul-

sible Leadership at UP have been collaborating on a project

tural challenges and opportunities for individuals and organi-

aimed at understanding the leadership dynamics in multi-sec-

sations. Against this backdrop, a relational approach of trans-

tor partnerships for at meeting the SDG s. At the beginning of

culturality and transcultural competence as developed at the

the year, Mr Dominik Fischer spent two months in South Africa,

LEIZ could serve as a promising concept since it focuses on

collaborating with South African colleagues on the conceptu-

the development of cultural commonalities as well as on trans-

alisation of the project. This was followed by another visit to

cultural cooperation and learning. However, this approach is

UP in July, this time by Prof Dr Josef Wieland and Mr Fischer.

relatively new and there is an information gap on questions

In October, Prof Derick de Jongh and Dr Yolande Steenkamp

such as what constitutes transcultural competence and which

from UP, joined by Dr Gary Kendall, a sustainability expert at

methods are helpful in measuring and training it ? In order to

a major commercial bank in South Africa, met Mr Fischer and

tackle these questions, a recently established LEIZ research

Prof Dr Wieland in Bled, Slovenia, where they participated in

team brings together a group of experts from all over the world

a panel discussion on the project at the Academy of Manage-

and from different disciplinary backgrounds for the so-called

ment’s Specialised Conference on Responsible Leadership.

Transcultural Competence Delphi Process. This method, which

In late November, Prof de Jongh ( U P ) joined Dr Steenkamp, a

can be traced back to Linstone and Turoff, is used for con-

post-doctoral research fellow from UP who has been visiting

sensus building and idea aggregation and thereby provides

LEIZ since the end of October to continue work on the project

for various rounds of questions amongst the experts. These

with Mr Fischer. Together, the three presented a paper at the

rounds are planned from January to June 2020. First results

Relational Economics conference hosted by LEIZ . Dr Steen-

will be discussed at an expert conference to be held at Zep-

kamp will return to LEIZ in early 2020 for a six-month research

pelin University in June, as well as serving as a starting point

stay funded by the DA AD.

for further research on transcultural competence, its determinants and implications. 

julika.montecinos@zu.de



t.gruenfelder@zeppelin-university.net

20



yolande.steenkamp@up.ac.za



dominik.fischer@zu.de

Notable bachelor’s and master’s theses Transparency and Anti-Corruption – Creating a digital

Recently submitted

learning platform within the anti-corruption agenda

By Isabel Jandeisek, Daniela Gangl and Carlota Memba Aguado

SIMON TELIAN

Game-Changer : Plattformökonomie – Wie digitale Plattformen Hindering both economic growth and the provision of public

die Vernetzung des deutschen Mittelstandes ermöglichen. Mit

goods and services, corruption has a severe impact on emerg-

einem konkreten Anwendungsbeispiel aus der Chemieindus-

ing markets. As corruption affects both business and politics,

trie ( B.A.)

transparency is crucial in overcoming institutional distrust.

Supervisor : Prof Dr habil Josef Wieland

Within the anti-corruption agenda, civil society organisations play an important role in the promotion and advancement of

MARTIN BUKIES

integrity and transparency. Transparency International takes

Theologische Inspiration zeitgemäßer Führung – Analyse einer

a leading role by providing research publications such as the

anachronistischen Quelle als mögliche Ressource der Moderne

‘Corruption Perception Index’ and country reports in order to

( M.A. )

enable a more transparent dialogue between business, politics

Supervisor : Prof Dr habil Josef Wieland

and society. In the case of Brazil, Operação Lava Jato initiat-

Second Supervisor : Dr Ramona Kordesch

ed an improvement of dialogue between business and society by means of transparency as an ongoing learning process.

The inferred findings from our field study as LEIZ researchers reveal two advantages of digital learning platforms within the anti-corruption agenda : firstly, on an organisational level, shared findings of best practice with regard to anti-corruption mechanisms could provide a cost-efficient level playing field in intra- and inter-firm networks. Secondly, the necessity of creating a learning platform for citizens was emphasised by business experts. Since highly advanced reporting systems might be difficult to understand for non-experts in the general public, digital platforms could enhance critical dialogue, thus restoring trust and legitimacy. 

isabel.jandeisek@zu.de

21

S PA C E S TAT I O N F R O M : 2 0 01 – A S PA C E O DY S S E Y B Y S TA N L E Y K U B R I C K (19 6 8 )

PUBLIC AT IONS

Publications New publications

WIEL AND, J., CHEUNG, R. & BAUMANN MONTECINOS, J. ( 2 019 ) ( E DS. )

CARMEN TANNER ( 2 019 )

Hybridity and Transculturality. Learnings about the Case of

Counteracting moral blindness in business : An advanced

Hong Kong, Marburg : Metropolis.

measure of moral sensitivity. Tanner Carmen, Schmocker David, Christen M., Katsarov J. In : European Journal of Psycho-

WIEL AND, J. & FISCHER, D. ( 2 019 ) ( E DS. )

logical Assessment, Vol. September 2019.

Transculturality and Community. Learnings from the Hope Development Initiative in Uganda, Marburg : Metropolis.

CARMEN TANNER ( 2 019 )

Training moral sensitivity through video games : a review of

Publications currently in press

suitable game mechanisms. Christen Markus, Schmocker David, Tanner Carmen, Katsarov Johannes, Mauerhofer Ralf. In :

JANDEISEK, I., WIEL AND, J. ( 2 020 )

Games and Culture, Vol. 14, ( 4 ), p. 344 – 366, July 2019.

Governance und Institutionen: Normativität und Relationalität, in : Heidbrink, L., Lorch, A. und V. Rauen ( Hrsg. ) : Handbuch

CARMEN TANNER ( 2 019 )

Wirtschaftsphilosophie, Bd. 3, Wiesbaden : Springer.

The German Ethical Culture Scale (GECS) : Development and first construct testing. Tanner Carmen, Gangl Katharina, Witt

WIEL AND, J. & BAUMANN MONTECINOS, J. ( 2 020 ) ( E DS. )

Nicole. In : Frontiers in Psychology, July 2019.

Brazilian Perspectives on Transcultural Leadership. Marburg : Metropolis.

CARMEN TANNER ( 2 019 )

Preventing wrongdoing and promoting ethical conduct : A regulatory focus approach to corporate ethical culture. Stimmler, D., & Tanner, C. ( 2019 ). In : A Research Agenda for Economic Psychology, 123 – 138.

WIEL AND, J. & BAUMANN MONTECINOS, J. ( 2 019 ) ( E DS. )

Transcultural Leadership and Transcultural Competence, Marburg : Metropolis.

23

PEOPLE

Management Committee Prof Dr Josef Wieland – Holder

Prof Dr Carmen Tanner – Hold-

of the Chair for Institutional Eco-

er of the Chair for Economic Psy-

nomics, Organisational Govern-

chology and Leadership Ethics,

ance, Integrity Management &

Vice-Director of LEIZ : Carmen

Transcultural Leadership, Director

Tanner, who also holds a pro-

of LEIZ: An expert in the field of

fessorship at the Department of

compliance and business ethics

Banking and Finance, University

of more than 20 years standing,

of Zurich and the directorship of

he initiated the Forum Compli­

the “Center for Responsibility in

ance & Integrity ( F CI ). He is a

Finance”, taught and worked at

member of, inter alia, the national CSR Forum, the jury for

several universities ( Bern, Fribourg, Zurich, Northwestern Uni-

the German government’s CSR Award, and the Advisory

versity in the US , and the Max Planck Institut Jena ). Member of

Council for Sustainability of the government of the federal

the Scientific Board of the DICO Deutsches Institut für Compli-

state of Baden-Württemberg. In the context of the German

ance. Main research topics : behavioural business ethics and

G20 presidency in 2016 / 2017, Prof Wieland co-chaired the

moral intelligence.

working group “Sustainability in Global Value Chains” with-



carmen.tanner@zu.de

in the Think20 process. Since 2017, Josef Wieland has been Dr Lennart Brand – ­Managing

Vice-President ( Research ) of Zeppelin University ( ZU ) . 

Director of LEIZ . ­Lennart Brand

josef.wieland@zu.de

pursued a career in the aviation industry before ­taking his D. Phil. at the ­University of Oxford ( St. John’s College ). He joined ZU in 2012 and was appointed Managing Director of LEIZ in 2015. Lennart Brand serves on the Oxford University Alumni Board and the Academic Board ( D ACH ) of SAP SE . A literary historian by trade, his research interests focus on German literature of the ­early 20th century, in particular Ernst Jünger and Karl Kraus. 

24

lennart.brand@zu.de

Senior Researchers Prof Dr Derick de Jongh –

Dr Angelica Marte – Visiting

Visiting Researcher : He is the

Researcher & Senior Lecturer :

Founding Director of The Albert

Angelica Marte pursued a career

Luthuli Centre for Responsible

in the consumer industry before

Leadership ( A LCRL ) at the Uni-

becoming a Research ­Assistant.

versity of Pretoria. Previously he

Following her Doctorate at the

pursued a career in the private

Private University Witten / Herde-

sector with positions in Human

cke, she worked as a Research

Resources and Strategy. He sub-

Affiliate at the MIT Center for Col-

sequently founded the Centre for

lective Intelligence. At ZU, she

Corporate Citizenship at the University of South Africa ( U NISA )

has held several research and teaching posts. Her main re-

in 2002. Derick holds numerous visiting research positions at

search interests are female / mixed leadership, leadership de-

prestigious institutions all over the world. He is an internation-

velopment & diversity. Her research has been supplemented

ally recognised expert on topics like responsible leadership,

by film making in different societies. She founded “mim_more

corporate social responsibility and corporate citizenship.

is more”, a company focusing on pioneering inclusive organi-



sations with an inclusive leadership approach.

derick.dejongh@up.ac.za



a.marte@letsmim.com

Dr Ramona Maria Kordesch – Senior Research Fellow : Ramona M. Kordesch studied Catholic Theology and Religious Studies at Graz and Tübingen and was head of the research unit “Innovation systems of charitable organisations” at ZU until 2016.

Her research interests include non-profit and civil-society research. Outside her academic responsibilities, Dr Kordesch runs “Societas Futura” in Austria – a think-tank for “multi-dimensional entrepreneurship to shape tomorrow’s world.” 

ramona.kordesch@zu.de

25

PEOPLE

Administration Andrea Früh – Personal Assis­

Evelyn Countess Pachta – Ma-

tant to Prof Carmen Tanner, Chair

nager External Relations and

of Economic Psychology and

Communication. With a degree

Leadership Ethics. After working

in languages and Business Ad­

in event marketing for several

ministration Evelyn is an Interna-

years, Andrea Früh – a graduate

tional PR , Communication and

in sports science and business

Marketing specialist with a Cor-

administration – joined ZU in

porate Finance and M&A back-

2011. After a series of posts in

ground ( Munich, London ). She

various departments, she began

also gained profound experi­ence

working at LEIZ in 2015. 

in the Private Banking in­dus­try. Having worked as a journalist, PR Manager, Head of Marketing, she has a strong affin-

andrea.frueh@zu.de

ity to editing work and copywriting in English and German.

Silke Rinkenburger – Personal Assistant to Prof Josef Wieland, Chair of Institutional Economics.

After working in the banking sec-­ tor for twelve years & taking six years out to raise a family, Silke Rinkenburger, a qualified bank clerk, has worked at Zeppelin University in various capacities since 2011. She has held her post at LEIZ since 2015. 

silke.rinkenburger@zu.de

26



evelyn.pachta@zu.de

2 0 01 A S PA C E O DY S S E Y R O O M M O D E L , E X H I B I T E D AT L A C M A . P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y C H R I S T O P H E F R O M M O N T R E A L .

PEOPLE

Research Assistants Dr Julika Baumann Monte-

Jessica Geraldo Schwengber –

cinos – Head of research group

Research Assistant and PhD

“Transcultural Competence” and

student at the Chair of Institution-

project manager of the Transcul-

al Economics : Jessica Geraldo

tural Caravan. She graduated in

Schwengber graduated in Eco-

Intercultural Business and Cul-

nomics and Management from

tural Studies from the Uni­versity

the University of Rome Tor Ver-

of Passau, including various stays

gata. Her research focuses on

in China, India, the Dominican

transcultural competences in

Republic and Brazil, and did her

organisations and on the corre-

PhD at University of Hohenheim’s Chair of Business Ethics.

sponding organisational learning processes.

She pursued a career in the automotive industry before join-



jessica.schwengber@zu.de

ing LEIZ in 2014. In her research and teaching, she focuses on the relevance of cultural factors for economic performance, on

Isabel Jandeisek – Research

transcultural leadership, and on CSR in a global context.

Assistant and PhD student at the Chair of Institutional Economics:

julika.montecinos@zu.de



Isabel Jandeisek studied PolitDominik Fischer – Research

ical and Economic Sciences at

Assistant and PhD student at the

ZU, the University of Bielefeld,

Chair of Institutional Econom-

and St Petersburg University.

ics : Dominik Fischer studied at

During the German G20 pres-

ZU, the University of Sydney, the

idency in 2017, she took part in

London School of Economics

the working group “Sustaina-

and Political Science, and the

bility in GVC s” within the Think20 process. In 2016, she was

Indian Institute of Management.

invited to be a visiting research scholar at FDU, New Jersey.

His main research interests are

Her research focuses on governance economics, corporate re-

leadership, network governance,

sponsibility, shared value creation, and the role of innovations

and transcultural management as a response to the institution-

for the global UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

al environment. In addition, he focuses on CSR and shared val-



ue as a strategic tool. 

dominik.fischer@zu.de

28

isabel.jandeisek@zu.de

Diana Stimmler – Research As-

Sabine Wiesmüller – Head

sistant and PhD student at the

of the Lake Constance Innova-

Chair of Economic Psychology

tion Cluster and PhD candidate

and Leadership Ethics : Diana

at the Wittenberg Center for

Stimmler studied Sociology, Pol-

Global Ethics and the Chair of

itics and Economics at ZU and

Institutional Economics : Sabine

at Hallym University in South

Wiesmüller studied International

Korea. She went on to graduate

Management at Passau Univer-

with an MS c in Psychology of

sity, Universidad de Granada,

Economic Life from the London

Spain and Universidad de Gua-

School of Economics and Political Science in 2017 before re-

dalajara, Mexico. In her Master’s degree, she focused on com-

turning to LEIZ . Her research primarily focuses on corporate

pliance management and business ethics and went on to pur-

ethical culture and behavioural business ethics. 

sue her PhD in the same field. In her work and research, she primarily focuses on the implications of new technologies for

diana.stimmler@zu.de

corporate responsibility and society.

Lukas Törner – Deputy Head



sabine.wiesmueller@zu.de

of the Innovation Lab within the Lake Constance Innovation

Nicole Witt – Research Assis-

Cluster Digital Transformation

tant and PhD student at the Chair

and PhD student at the Chair of

of Economic Psychology and

Institutional Economics : Lukas

Leadership Ethics : Nicole Witt

Törner studied at ZU, the Insti-

received her degree in psychol-

tute of Social Ecology Vienna,

ogy with a minor in mathematics

and Leuphana University Lüne-

from Heinrich-Heine University

burg. Since graduating in Envi-

in Düsseldorf in 2010 and

ronmental Sciences, he has focused on ERP systems to man-

worked as a market-research

age and report sustainability. In this context, his first publica-

consultant after graduation. Her

tion addressed paradigms of environmental damage. His PhD

research focuses on moral behaviour at work, especially on

dissertation, too, deals with “Sustainability Software.”

the development of instruments measuring moral courage and



lukas.toerner@zu.de

moral resoluteness. 

nicole.witt@zu.de

29

M O R E S C I E N C E T H A N S C I E N C E F I C T I O N : A L A S E R T O WA R D S M I L K Y WAY S C E N T R E . TA K E N B Y T H E E S O - P H O T O M E S S E N G E R Y U R I B E L E T S K Y

MEDI A SOURCES LEIZ

In addition to detailed information on all facets of its research and teaching activities, the Institute’s website offers topical news and various other resources.

Z U. D E / L E I Z

Transcultural Caravan The Transcultural Caravan is a hub of global thinking – about a new type of leadership and the capacity to cooperate as well as to define globally shared interests and values.

T R A N S C U LT U R A L- C A R AVA N .O R G

ZU Executive Education

The ZU Executive Education offers part-time Master’s degrees, tailor-made programmes for corporate customers, and intensive focused programmes.

Z U. D E / E E

FIF

The Friedrichshafen Institute for Family Entrepreneurship (FIF) engages with the central opportunities and challenges of family businesses with respect to their long-term viability.

Z U. D E / F I F

ZU’s online magazine – bite-sized research extracts on topical issues Z U - D A I LY. D E

Imprint Zeppelin Universität gemeinnützige GmbH Am Seemooser Horn 20 88045 Friedrichshafen, Germany Editor in Chief: Dr Lennart Brand Editor: Evelyn Countess Pachta Art Direction: Philipp N. Hertel Finedrawing: Petra Mohr

What is re al? How do you define re al?

If you're talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then re al is simply electrical signals interpreted by your br ain.

Morpheus ( from the movie The Matrix by The Wachowskis )