Uncovering an integrated leadership theory
Loading...
Files
Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of New Brunswick
Abstract
With over 58 different theories and approaches in the literature, leadership studies and research show an important gap by not having a well-defined integrative leadership theory. Through an in depth critical synthesis of seminal writings, an initial construct is developed in the form of a leadership process which operates within a leadership metamodel (i.e., a model of models).
These preliminary findings constitute an initial grounded theory. The metamodel consist of: a person, in any context, delivering a leadership service, which draws upon a leadership process, to capture relevant leadership capabilities, which is manifested through a leadership archetype. The leadership process itself starts from a need, conditions (knowledge, decision and action) are then set to deliver a leadership role from which power (authority and influence) emerges, from which we learn (feedback) and, continue to do so, until that need is fulfilled (partially or completely).
A core research experiment and two supplemental experiments further internally validate this construct through an iterative-hermeneutic content analysis of over 2300 years’ worth of enduring influential occidental leadership concepts. Using sentences as the main unit of analysis, the following research questions are answered: Do leadership theories share a common set of characteristics?; How could those characteristics be integrated? and; What data language would support the integration?.
Perhaps the single most important contribution of all this work has been to build a solid foundation from which tools may be derived to aid current and future leaders in further developing critical skills such as: self-knowledge; ability to adapt behavior based on any context; selecting best approach when engaging with others in the complex leadership ecosystem. The leadership capability abstraction in this study provides a vocabulary, analytical discipline, and formal mapping structure that can be useful to address a wide variety of challenges that emerge on a regular basis for individuals involved in different leadership situations. Other contributions of this research include: articulating an integrated working theory; modelling the process of leadership focusing on the inputs and; developing a detailed data language and metamodel offering important potential for future education, serious gaming and new research opportunities.