Summary
The
concept of leadership pervades all aspects of human endeavour;
its existence is uniformly accepted however its definition
is a notorious source of debate. Previous research has unearthed
at least 160 definitions, we consider some general definitions.
The phrase transformational leadership has become a feature
of modern day parlance in the 1970s. Burns’ seminal work is
now considered a cornerstone of leadership theory. But as
always with new discoveries, we must ask what next, and more
importantly, if this is true now – was it true in the past?
This paper explores the phenomenon of transformational leadership
tracing its roots and applying them to the history of our
times. To achieve this, it steps outside the norm in leadership
literature exploring the concept of transformational leadership
from a uniquely African perspective, specifically those of
various ethnic groups of the Nigerian people of West Africa.
What evidence is there for leadership in a continent that
has a notorious dearth of information and, seemingly, examples
on this subject? Juxtaposing cultural research with ancient
folklore, we examine a western view of West African culture
(Hofstede) providing us with a sense of current perceptions
of this region of myriad ethnic groups (there are over 250
in Nigeria alone) in comparison to long held traditions and
beliefs. We distil further to centre on leadership, in particular,
transformational leadership.
Drawing on the rich oral tradition of the West African people
we examine tales that reveal the structure of society, espouse
virtues required for leadership and provide insight into the
fabric that has retained the fundamentals for a way of thinking,
being and leading. Finally we assess the personification of
transformational leadership in its male and female forms.
Drawing on examples both heralded and unsung we look at the
lives of the men and women who, despite the paucity of detailed
information given provide no doubt of their claim to the mantle
of a transformational leader.
We explore leadership concepts within a few ethnic groups;
parallels between the Igbo form of governance, a flat rather
than hierarchical structure, and King Arthur’s round table
abound. However we look beyond table shapes and point to the
follow on effects in leadership. The African transformational
leader has been captured in the rich rhetoric of fables and
now in more modern tales of entrepreneurship, however there
is a need for more exhaustive research to probe the depths
of all Africa has to offer.
Biography
Judith
brought her background in psychology to bear in her work as
a human resources practitioner where she spent a significant
period involved in the management of human performance and
the development and deployment of technology based HR systems.
Seeking to find a person focused balance between HR and psychology,
she acquired further qualifications in Business Psychology
and has practiced in that capacity with the University of
Westminster ’s Business Psychology Centre. She is also a visiting
lecturer at the same institution. In 2007 Judith joined Insights
Learning and Development as a Business Psychologist, she currently
oversees the validation research work that is being carried
out on Insights existing tools portfolio.
Judith has a keen interest in a number of research areas including
new ways of working and leadership and is currently pursuing
a PhD.
In her spare time Judith enjoys playing squash and travelling.
Business Psychologist, Insights Learning and Development,
Jack Martin Way, Dundee
E: jokonkwo@insights.com
