The Changing Landscape of Male Leadership: Accountability in the Aftermath of Metoo

Abstract

Titled "The changing landscape of male leadership: Accountability in the aftermath of Metoo," this master's thesis explores how the responsible male leader should address issues of sexism and sexual harassment and why it presents a complex challenge to him. By examining how contemporary demands and expectations for responsible male leaders regarding these issues have evolved and transformed over time, this study offers valuable insights into the complex terrain of accountability. Through a genealogical-archaeological discourse analysis, this study examines an extensive media archive through three sub-analyses shedding light on the changing perception of responsible male leaders in relation to sexism and sexual harassment over three consecutive periods: 2004-2017, 2017-2020, and 2020-2023. The results of the sub-analyses reveal radical changes in the perception of what is considered normatively right and acceptable for responsible male leaders concerning these issues spanning from the pre-Metoo era to the present. Over the course of a few years, the rules of acceptance have been completely restructured, and there are now sanctions for behavior that was previously tolerated. This radical and rapid evolution creates a challenging landscape of complexity for those male leaders who have navigated through this transformative period. This study concludes that a specific form of values-based leadership is required for the male leader seeking to address issues of sexism and sexual harassment responsibly. He must prioritize the experiences of others in matters of sexism and sexual harassment over their own, handle accusations impartially, and consistently demonstrate high levels of personal integrity.