Stewardship theory

Stewardship theory is a theory that managers, left on their own, will act as responsible stewards of the assets and resources they control.{{cn|date=September 2018}} Stewardship theorists assume that given a choice between self-serving behavior and pro-organizational behavior, a steward will place higher value on cooperation than defection. Stewards are assumed to be collectivists, pro-organizational, and trustworthy.Davis, J. H., Schoorman, F. D., & Donaldson, L. (1997). Toward a stewardship theory of management. Academy of Management Review, 22(1), 20-47.

In American politics, an example of the stewardship theory is where a president practices a governing style based on belief they have the duty to do whatever is necessary in national interest, unless prohibited by the U.S. Constitution.{{Cite web|url=http://www.americanforeignrelations.com/O-W/Presidential-Power-The-stewardship-theory.html|title=The stewardship theory - Presidential Power}} The stewardship approach is often associated with Theodore Roosevelt,[http://cronkitehhh.jmc.asu.edu/blog/2014/03/presidential-stewardship/ Presidential Stewardship], Humphrey Fellows at Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication – ASU who viewed the presidency as a "bully pulpit" of moral and political leadership.[https://books.google.com/books?id=cYKDC_MHDqsC&pg=PA183 Constitutional Interpretation: Powers of Government, Volume 1]