The Allan Gray Centre for Values-Based Leadership is dedicated to exploring new ways of doing business based on purpose, sustainability and responsible practices that create dignity and belonging. We ask difficult questions about the assumptions supporting our current business management models – specifically whether profit and shareholder value should continue to be the exclusive drivers of business, or whether values, purpose and meaning might be more effective drivers for the 21st Century.
2011
Dedicated to exploring enriched ways of doing business in South Africa
On the individual and the organisation
5 dedicated academics
The Centre focuses on two core elements: The Individual and the Organisation, with twenty research focus areas.
READ MORE
Academics from the Allan Gray Centre for Values-Based Leadership supervise international and local PhD theses; MBA dissertations; EMBA dissertations and Master’s degree dissertations.
EXPLORE
Faculty of the Allan Gray Centre teach on UCT GSB core and elective programmes and run an online course through GetSmarter.
READ MORE
Faculty of the Allan Gray Centre for Values-Based Leadership are widely published.
READ MOREThe Allan Gray Speaker Series brings together individuals with an interest in re-scripting the orientation of South African organisations – to more closely reflect positive values which serve the common good, responsible leadership, embedding hope for the many and challenging the excesses and damage caused by self-serving decisions, actions and behaviours at all levels within business, government and civil society organisations.
The Allan Gray Conference is a platform for local and international academics and practitioners to discuss and debate the values, challenges and successes, which individuals and organisations face in our modern world. The Conference, by way of high calibre presentations and panel discussion sessions, serves to enrich individuals, organisations and society through ideas that hopefully lead to purposeful and entrepreneurial action to serve the common good.
Prof. Kurt April is the Allan Gray Chair, an Endowed Professorship, and Director of the Allan Gray Centre for Values-Based Leadership, specialising in Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business (South Africa, 1998-present), Adjunct Faculty at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (UK, 2001-present), and is an Orchestrator and Faculty member of Duke Corporate Education, Duke University (USA, 2008-present).
He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (UK), Senior Member of the Academy of Management (USA), and Member of the Africa Academy of Management (USA).
VIEW PROFILE
COVID-19
The COVID-19 crisis is giving leaders everywhere a test of unimaginable proportions. Right now we need calm, agile and decisive people at the helm across all sectors to ensure that we survive and go on to thrive again - and President Ramaphosa is setting a good example.
Political Economy
Ramaphosa has little room to manoeuvre, it’s true. But without bold leadership at this juncture, SA is on the road to nowhere.
Leadership & Ethics
The rise of the hero leader around the world – strongmen who promise to be able to rescue their followers from difficult circumstances – is driving a wedge between citizens and undermining democratic institutions.
Learning & Development
Whether it’s chasing higher pay or finding a working environment to suit your personality type, what is it that keeps people happy at work?
