The mask of the red death: Leadership, hubris, and the Covid-19 crisis

Throughout history, societies have been beset by disasters that took them surprise, often with widespread and devastating consequences. When crops, animals, or people began dying unusual frequency, especially when the causes were not observable, failed to respond, responded very slowly, in surprisingly misdirected ways. In this essay, we focus on role of leadership addressing failing address such crises, paying special attention responses Covid-19 crisis during 2020. Our central thesis is hubris was a (though only) culprit poor responses, introduce problem inaction as symptom hubris. We conclude some reflections for practitioners researchers, suggesting few areas worthy examination better understand how business organizations may construct defenses against dangers JEL CLASSIFICATION M14; L26; D70; N00