Whither compassionate leadership? A systematic review

Abstract Recent disastrous events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has amplified appeal for compassionate leadership in organizations and is viewed need of hour. While compassion a timeless concept, there appears to be lack clarity around idea leadership, current understanding limited, fragmented, scattered across literature. This integrative systematic review 41 articles during last 20 years (2002–2021) conceptualizes six critical dimensions namely: empathy; openness communication; physical, mental health well-being; inclusiveness; integrity; respect dignity. These findings enhance our how organizational leaders can effectively incorporate become leaders. The examines defined understood literature, contribution form definition offered. Finally, gaps literature are highlighted, offering avenues future research, along with implications theory, practice.