Defining authentic leadership: a developing economy perspective

Ibiyemi Omeihe, Christian Harrison

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The research on authentic leadership has recently become a priority in leadership literature as policy-makers and practitioners seek evidence from research in addressing leadership malfeasance across organisations and the broader society. Hence, a growing body of evidence suggests the authentic leadership construct is plagued with a lack of conceptual clarity, embodying philosophical ambiguity and demographic limitations. Consequently, the study provides crucial descriptions of authentic leadership within a developing economy context
The study's findings show that in defining authentic leadership, three perspectives were evident from the authentic leaders and followers. Authentic leaders and a singular outlook by followers perceive authentic leadership from dual perspectives. The first perspective provided by the authentic leaders focused on their leadership and how the burden of the role influenced their approach. The second perspective linked authentic leadership to areas that improve organisational outcomes. An unconscious awareness of the necessities that support organisational performance underpins the descriptions by the respondents. Remarkably, followers provide the last perspective that emphasised the relational aspects of the authentic leader and how it influences them in their daily lives. The chapter concludes by reflecting on the study's contributions and limitations before charting the path for future research.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe African Context of Business and Society
EditorsKingsley Obi Omeihe, Christian Harrison
Place of PublicationUK
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited
Chapter3
Pages31-54
Number of pages24
ISBN (Electronic)9781801178525
ISBN (Print)9781801178532
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Oct 2022

Publication series

NameNew Frontiers in African Business and Society
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited

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