Abstract

In an era marked by rapid information exchange and growing societal divides, the practice of civil discourse (i.e., the respectful and constructive exchange of ideas and opinions, characterized by openmindedness, active listening, and a commitment to understanding differing perspectives) has become a vanishing art. Once the bedrock of democratic engagement, the skills and abilities of leaders to engage in such respectful and constructive debate are fading. Civil discourse is not merely a skill but a responsibility, essential for fostering understanding and collaboration within organizations and society at large (Patterson et al., 2012). However, the rise of polarization and hostile rhetoric threatens to erode the foundations of effective leadership (Brower, 2024; Delaney, 2019; Leskes, 2013). This paper explores the decline of civil discourse as a critical leadership challenge, framed through the lens of servant and relational leadership and informed by the philosophical insights of bell hooks, Friedrich Nietzsche, Viktor Frankl, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. By examining this issue through a life-affirming stance, this work seeks to address the cynicism, hypocrisy, and nihilism that plague contemporary discourse, while offering practical strategies rooted in the servant-leadership theory for leaders to reclaim and revitalize the art of civil dialogue. Building on the principles of servant-leadership, this paper emphasizes the leader's role as an advocate who prioritizes the growth, well-being, and empowerment of others to foster environments where civil discourse can thrive. The purpose of this paper is to examine the decline of civil discourse as a leadership challenge, offering philosophically grounded insights and practical strategies for leaders to foster empathy, inclusivity, and constructive dialogue in an increasingly divided world. The paper aims to offer both a theoretical and practical framework for leaders committed to fostering a more respectful and constructive dialogue, ultimately contributing to the revitalization of civil discourse in today's polarized environment.

Recommended Citation

Herritage, Katie (2025) "Reviving Civil Discourse: A Leadership Imperative in the Age of Polarization," International Journal of Servant-Leadership: Vol. 19, Article 17.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64749/2160-8172 & 2160-8164.1441
Available at: https://repository.gonzaga.edu/ijsl/vol19/iss1/17