Executive Power in Transformation

This concluding chapter reviews the main manifestations of CXO clusters, evaluates the efficacy of different theoretical explanations, identifies contributions of this work to those theories, and reflects on the appeal and success of the CXO label. It also summarizes why the CXO phenomenon appeared and became so widespread and intense; what its essential nature is; where CXOs operate, both in and between organizations; how they operate and which distinct behaviours they exhibit; as well as who CXOs are, from an executive identity perspective. The chapter argues that studying the spread of CXO roles promotes a better understanding of the role of the CEO, the quintessential chief officer, and thereby, the essence of what it means to be a senior executive. the main insights, The book concludes by proposing the ideal type of contemporary executive in complex organizations.