Global Leadership in the World of AI:
Steps for Ethical Application
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59319/arete.v4i1.1110Keywords:
AI Governance, Human-Centered Leadership, Ethical Decision-Making, Global Leadership, AI CompetenciesAbstract
Background: This poster offers a practical approach to global leadership when introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into culturally diverse organizations. Methods/Approach: The approach draws from leadership theory, emerging research on AI in the workplace, and cross-cultural communication theory. Through this research, The Ethical AI Competency Model and AI Implementation Protocol were developed. Objectives: The Ethical AI Competency Model highlights six interconnected competencies: Cultural intelligence, Ethical AI Stewardship, Sensemaking and Strategy, Human-Oriented AI Application, Cross-Cultural Communication, and AI Literacy (Chee et al., 2025; Hagerty & Rubnov, 2019; Oh et al., 2026; Passlack et al., 2026; Yang et al., 2025). Results: Grounded in this competency model, the AI Implementation Protocol offers a seven-step protocol to support responsible and culturally inclusive AI adoption. Conclusions: At its core, the framework argues that successful AI implementation within global leadership necessitates human-centered values, organizational transparency, and the willingness and knowledge to adapt across cultures (Pillai, 2024; Rezaei et al., 2024).
Author Biographies
Danielle Badgett, Ph.D. Student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Dani Badgett (she/her) is a PhD student in the Global Leadership program at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. Professionally, she is an operations and strategy leader based in Nashville, Tennessee, currently serving as an Integrator in the affordable housing development space. Her work sits at the intersection of operations and HR, where she builds strong teams and creates structure that helps organizations grow and scale with intention.
Over the past decade, Dani has supported organizations through periods of growth and change, with experience spanning higher education, nonprofits, and corporate environments. She brings a steady, people-centered approach and focuses on aligning systems and day-to-day operations with what an organization is working to achieve.
Michael King, Ph.D. Student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Michael King is a Ph.D. student in the Global Leadership Studies program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Professionally, he serves as a Community Mental Health Specialist at The Jed Foundation, where he supports community-based organizations in strengthening the positive impact of their policies, programs, and practices on youth mental health. Through this work, Michael partners with organizations to develop strategic plans for mental health and suicide prevention and to implement tangible, sustainable steps toward progress. His professional background also includes leadership roles in higher education and student affairs.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Danielle Badgett, Michael King
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