Once upon a time : An exploratory study about leaders’ use of storytelling to increase ethical competence in multicultural organizations. 

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of our study is to contribute to an understanding of the role of storytelling when increasing ethical competence. The research is related to a multicultural context and from the perspective of leaders with experience of organizational change. Method In order to get closer to our phenomenon, this study applies a deductive approach. The empirial data was contructed by semi-structured interviews with eight leaders. Based on the theory, we have developed eight different propositions on which the interview questions are based. Further on, the empirical data was analyzed with a thematic approach.  Conclusions Our conclusion shows there are different motives for using storytelling among leaders and that it is used on a daily basis, both consciously and unconsciously. Leaders find it easier to communicate and relate to ethical perspectives by placing them in a context through stories. By integrating storytelling in intercultural dialogues, it can increase ethical competence.