Revisiting the Relevance of Covey’s 7 Habits in 21st-Century Leadership: A Systematic Literature Review

The paper offers a critical evaluation of the body of research on Covey's Seven Habits, examining their application and relevance in promoting moral and principled leadership in contemporary businesses. This examination will pay particular attention to how these habits, which prioritize character above just behavioral abilities, support fundamental leadership traits like accepting accountability, creating a vision, and cultivating fruitful interpersonal connections. Additionally, the discussion will look at how intentional development of these habits leads to increased individual self-leadership, which in turn leads to improved organizational commitment and sales performance.
Concepts like self-leadership and servant leadership, which share conceptual similarities with Covey's beliefs in encouraging individual effectiveness and ethical behavior, often interact with contemporary leadership research (Daud, 2020; Tenschert et al., 2024; Parris & Peachey, 2012). In line with Covey's focus on proactive action and personal mastery, for example, self-leadership is a crucial process by which people influence themselves to attain personal effectiveness (Krampitz et al., 2021; Inam et al., 2021). The connection between self-leadership and a variety of individual and organizational outcomes, such as shared leadership in team-based knowledge work, ethics, creative behavior, and personality characteristics, has been the subject of several research (Mendoza et al., 2017).

Covey’s 7 Habits, Leadership, 21st-Century

1. Abay, S. T., Gomes, J. F. S., & Mengistu, A. B. (2023). A Comparative Analysis of Values-Based Leadership Theories: A Review and Future Research Agenda [Review of A Comparative Analysis of Values-Based Leadership Theories: A Review and Future Research Agenda]. Journal of Values-Based Leadership, 16(2). Valparaiso University College of Business. https://doi.org/10.22543/1948-0733.1457 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Alateeg, S., & Alhammadi, A. (2024). The role of employee engagement towards innovative work behavior mediated by leadership in small businesses. International Journal of ADVANCED AND APPLIED SCIENCES, 11(2), 145. https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2024.02.016 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Al-Doghan, M. A., & Abdulhaeva, S. (2025). SHARED DECISION MAKING AND AI ROLE IN NON- FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: EXPLORING MODERATING ROLE OF TOP MANAGEMENT SUPPORT AND SECURITY. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. AYAZ, S., & HAIDARI, A. N. (2023). Leadership Competency and Employee Performance in Organizations. Florya Chronicles of Political Economy, 9(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.17932/iau.fcpe.2015.010/fcpe_v09i1002 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Bakri, M. K. B. (2024). Applying Organizational Psychology Principles for Positive Workplace Outcomes. Advances in Human Resource Management Research, 2(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.60079/ahrmr.v2i1.258 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Bantilan, J. C., Deguito, P. O., Otero, A. S., Regidor, A. R., & Junsay, M. D. (2023). Strategic Planning in Education: A Systematic Review [Review of Strategic Planning in Education: A Systematic Review]. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 45(1), 40. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2023/v45i1976 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Bonner, J., Greenbaum, R. L., & Mayer, D. M. (2014). My Boss is Morally Disengaged: The Role of Ethical Leadership in Explaining the Interactive Effect of Supervisor and Employee Moral Disengagement on Employee Behaviors. Journal of Business Ethics, 137(4), 731. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-014-2366-6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Bouranta, N., Psomas, E., & Antony, J. (2021). Human factors involved in lean management: a systematic literature review. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 33, 1113. https://doi.org/10.1080/14783363.2021.1936481 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Burton, S. L., Burrell, D. N., Nobles, C., & Jones, L. A. (2023). Exploring the Nexus of Cybersecurity Leadership, Human Factors, Emotional Intelligence, Innovative Work Behavior, and Critical Leadership Traits. Scientific Bulletin, 28(2), 162. https://doi.org/10.2478/bsaft-2023-0016 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Caldwell, C., & Anderson, V. (2021). Moral Identity, Self-Improvement, and the Quest for Greatness: A Leadership Responsibility. Journal of Values-Based Leadership, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.22543/0733.142.1359 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Chow, T. W., & Singh, H. (2023). Cultivating emerging leadership competencies for individual and organizational success. Annals of Management and Organization Research, 4(2), 129. https://doi.org/10.35912/amor.v4i2.1492 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Daud, Y. M. (2020). SELF-LEADERSHIP AND ITS APPLICATION TO TODAY’S LEADER - A REVIEW OF LITERATURE [Review of SELF-LEADERSHIP AND ITS APPLICATION TO TODAY’S LEADER - A REVIEW OF LITERATURE]. Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 8(1). Strategic Journals of Business & Change Management. https://doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v8i1.1887 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Fitriani, F., Wahab, A., & Hendratmi, A. (2025). Leadership in Halal Business Sector: Bibliometric Analysis and A Roadmap for Future Research. Journal of Leadership in Organizations, 7(2), 138. https://doi.org/10.22146/jlo.103552 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Friedman, H. H., & Pham, N. C. (2023). Self-Centered vs. Humanity-Centered: The Most Critical Continuum for Choosing Today’s Leadership. Journal of Values-Based Leadership, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.22543/1948-0733.1455 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Gede, I. B., Kawiana, P., Rexhepi, B. R., Made, I., Arsha, R., Nyoman, N., Abiyoga, A., Swara, V., Gde, P., & Yudhistira, P. G. A. (2023). Accelerating Values In Shaping Ethical Leadership And It’s Effect On Organisational Performance. Quality - Access to Success, 24(196). https://doi.org/10.47750/qas/24.196.36 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Hagemann, M. (2022). Does Current Popular Leadership Literature Show a Preference for Transformational Leadership? Managing Global Transitions, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.26493/1854-6935.20.335-351 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Hester, J. P. (2021). Perspectives on “Authentic” Leadership: “Seeking Something Greater Than Ourselves.” Journal of Values-Based Leadership, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.22543/0733.142.1371 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Hughes, D. J., Lee, A., Tian, A. W., Newman, A., & Legood, A. (2018). Leadership, creativity, and innovation: A critical review and practical recommendations [Review of Leadership, creativity, and innovation: A critical review and practical recommendations]. The Leadership Quarterly, 29(5), 549. Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2018.03.001 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Inam, A., Ho, J. A., Sheikh, A. A., Shafqat, M., & Najam, U. (2021). How self-leadership enhances normative commitment and work performance by engaging people at work? Current Psychology, 42(5), 3596. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01697-5 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. İşman, A., SEXTON, C., WILLIS, J., FRANKLIN, T., Bordelon, D., SİLMAN, F., ESKİCUMALI, A., YARATAN, H., ŞİMŞEK, İ., & ESKİ, H. (2017). The Online Journal of New Horizons in Education. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Issah, O., Ackah, D., & Eric, D. B. (2024). Analyzing the influence of organizational culture and top management orientation on the relationship between e-procurement and firms’ performance: a contingency factors perspective. IPMP Journal of Management Science., 7(9), 93. https://doi.org/10.4314/pmsj.v7i9.6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Jamali, D., & Caldwell, C. (2023). Thriving as a Win-Win Commitment: Helping Employees and Organizations to Flourish. Business and Management Research, 12(3), 21. https://doi.org/10.5430/bmr.v12n3p21 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Jasni, J., Sharip, S. M., & Daud, D. (2024). Uncovering the Significance of Transformational Leadership in Islamic-Based Institutions: A Systematic Exploration. Information Management and Business Review, 16, 197. https://doi.org/10.22610/imbr.v16i1(i).3677 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Jehanzeb, K., & Mushtaq, M. (2025). Examining the impact of well-being-oriented HRM practices on innovative work behavior: the moderating role of servant leadership. Cogent Business & Management, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2025.2482015 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Jeyaraj, J. J., & Gandolfi, F. (2020). Empowering students for social justice through a critical pedagogy inspired framework of servant leadership. Pedagogy Culture and Society, 30(2), 169. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681366.2020.1793216 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Klein, L. B., & Scott, C. L. (2021). Managing Virtual Internships During the Covid-19 Pandemic Era: Implications for Academic Instructors and Business Leaders. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 21(7). https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v21i7.4497 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Krampitz, J., Seubert, C., Furtner, M., & Glaser, J. (2021). Self‐leadership: A meta‐analytic Review of Intervention Effects on Leaders’ Capacities [Review of Self‐leadership: A meta‐analytic Review of Intervention Effects on Leaders’ Capacities]. Journal of Leadership Studies, 15(3), 21. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/jls.21782 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Krosigk, B. von. (2007). A holistic exploration of leadership development. South African Journal of Business Management, 38(2), 25. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v38i2.581 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Lapatoura, C. (2025). The Role of Leadership in Shaping Ethical Culture and Practices of Excellence: A System Thinking Approach. In IntechOpen eBooks. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.115308 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Lee, S. (2020). Achieving corporate sustainability performance: The influence of corporate ethical value, and leader-member exchange on employee behaviors and organizational performance. Fashion and Textiles, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40691-020-00213-w [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Lee, Y.-J. (2025). UNVEILING KEY CRITERIA FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP: A MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING FRAMEWORK USING TOPIC MODELING AND ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP). International Journal of the Analytic Hierarchy Process, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.13033/ijahp.v17i2.1209 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Mendoza, H. G., Biddix, J., & Andrews, G. (2017). Writing the Literature Review. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Meriweather, L. (2024). Leadership and Innovation: A Framework for Organizational Change Through Servant Leadership Constructs. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Obuba, M. O. (2023). Evaluating the Moral Components of Authentic Leadership on Employees’ Productivity. A Literature Review [Review of Evaluating the Moral Components of Authentic Leadership on Employees’ Productivity. A Literature Review]. Open Journal of Leadership, 12(1), 89. Scientific Research Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojl.2023.121007 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Oko, E. I. (2024). Stephen Covey’s Leadership Approach and the Quest for Ethics in Leadership. Journal of Values-Based Leadership, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.22543/1948-0733.1516 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Oshame, D., & Maureen, O. E. (2023). Critical analysis of four leadership theories and principles. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 17(1), 1387. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.17.1.0187 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Parris, D. L., & Peachey, J. W. (2012). A Systematic Literature Review of Servant Leadership Theory in Organizational Contexts. Journal of Business Ethics, 113(3), 377. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-012-1322-6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Pawar, A., Sudan, K., Satini, S., & Sunarsi, D. (2020). Organizational Servant Leadership. International Journal of Educational Administration Management and Leadership, 63. https://doi.org/10.51629/ijeamal.v1i2.8 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Pilatti, G., Pinheiro, F. L., & Montini, A. de Á. (2024). Systematic Literature Review on Gig Economy: Power Dynamics, Worker Autonomy, and the Role of Social Networks. Administrative Sciences, 14(10), 267. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100267 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Pino-Marchito, A. D., Galán-García, A., & Plaza-Mejía, M. de los Á. (2025). The Hersey and Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Model Revisited: Its Role in Sustainable Organizational Development. World, 6(2), 63. https://doi.org/10.3390/world6020063 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Pitria, D., Purbasari, R., & Purnomo, M. (2025). Entrepreneurial Servant Leadership and Employee Engagement on Employee Performance and Entrepreneurial Behavior. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Raji, A., Daraojimba, C., Okogwu, C., Agho, M. O., Egbokhaebho, B. A., & eze, K. C. I. (2023). BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: “A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF LEADERSHIP STYLES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE GROWTH AND SUCCESS OF START-UPS.” Cultural Communication And Socialization Journal, 4(2), 78. https://doi.org/10.26480/ccsj.02.2023.78.87 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. Ramdan, M. R., Yin, K. Y., Wahab, N. Y. A., Samsudin, N., Abdullah, N. L., Aziz, N. A. A., Mazlan, C. A. N., & Rambeli, N. (2024). The Impact of Applying the Servant Leadership Style among Educators in Educational Institutes: A Scoping Review [Review of The Impact of Applying the Servant Leadership Style among Educators in Educational Institutes: A Scoping Review]. TEM Journal, 1068. UIKTEN. https://doi.org/10.18421/tem132-21 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Ribeiro, N., Duarte, A. P., & Gomes, D. C. (2025). Virtuous Leadership and Employees’ Attitudes and Work Behaviors. Psychological Reports. https://doi.org/10.1177/00332941251330542 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Sant’Anna, A. de S. (2023). FROM LEADERSHIP TO HOLDERSHIP: A PARADIGM SHIFT IN ORGANIZATIONAL DYNAMICS. Revista Gestão Em Análise, 13(1), 143. https://doi.org/10.12662/2359-618xregea.v13i1.p143-162.2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Sarong, J. S. (2024). Fostering Collaboration and Team Effectiveness in Educational Leadership: Strategies for Building High- Performing Teams and Networks. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Shen, Y., Lythreatis, S., Singh, S. K., & Cooke, F. L. (2024). A meta-analysis of knowledge hiding behavior in organizations: Antecedents, consequences, and boundary conditions. Journal of Business Research, 186, 114963. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2024.114963 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Shiundu, T. W. (2024). Ethical Leadership and Its Implication on Decision-Making in Organizations: A Literature Review [Review of Ethical Leadership and Its Implication on Decision-Making in Organizations: A Literature Review]. Journal of Human Resource &Leadership, 8(1), 59. https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t30131 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. Subhaktiyasa, P. G., Agung, A. A. G., Jampel, I. N., & Dantes, K. R. (2023). Spiritual Leadership in Educational Organization: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Law and Sustainable Development, 11(5). https://doi.org/10.55908/sdgs.v11i5.722 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Summer/Fall 2023. (2023). Journal of Values-Based Leadership, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.22543/1948-0733.1479 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. Tenschert, J., Furtner, M., & Peters, M. (2024). The effects of self-leadership and mindfulness training on leadership development: a systematic review [Review of The effects of self-leadership and mindfulness training on leadership development: a systematic review]. Management Review Quarterly. Springer Science+Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-024-00448-7 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

52. The Journal of Values-Based Leadership. (2017). Journal of Values-Based Leadership. https://doi.org/10.22543/0733 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

53. Torres, J. L., Abugan, M. D. Q., Ouano, A. A., Japinan, S. M. E., Peranco, R. E., & Ampil, F. D. (2024). Leadership Styles and Their Impact on Educational Outcomes in the Philippines. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

54. Villares, E., Miller, A. E., & Chevalier, J. (2023). The Impact of Leader in Me on the School Climate and Student Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Education Policy and Leadership, 19(2). https://doi.org/10.22230/ijepl.2023v19n2a1339 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

55. Wahyuti, Y., & Tchable, B. (2025). Empowerment Leadership in Improving Teacher Motivation and Performance in Educational Environments. PPSDP International Journal of Education, 4(1), 182. https://doi.org/10.59175/pijed.v4i1.404 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

56. Zhu, Y. (2025). Leading With Purpose: The Transformative Impact of Servant, Authentic, and Spiritual Leadership on Workplace Well-Being and Ethics. The Proceedings of the International Conference on Modern Research in Social Sciences., 2(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.33422/icmrss.v2i1.827 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Understanding Academic Leadership: Theory, Practice and Future Horizons
• A Literature Review on Leadership and Cultural Evolution of Adventism in East Africa Region
• Unlocking Employee Creativity Through Empowering Leadership: The Dynamic Interplay of Trust and Engagement
• The Integration of Preachers’ Leadership Competencies in Empowering Preachers for the Orang Asli Community in Malaysia
• Traditional Authority vs. Legacy Leadership: A Comparative Literature Review from the Arab World