10 Authentic Leadership

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Leadership

Northouse, 5 th edition

Chapter 10 Authentic Leadership


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Authentic Leadership DescriptionAuthentic Leadership DefinedApproaches to Authentic LeadershipFactors that Influence Authentic

LeadershipHow does Authentic Leadership theorywork?

Overview


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Authentic Leadership Description

Authentic Leadership focuses on whether leadership is genuine

Interest in Authentic Leadership Increasing in recent times due to social

upheavals People longing for trustworthy leaders Identified earlier in transformational

leadership research but not studiedseparately

Needed evidence-based research of construct

Perspective


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Authentic Leadership DefinedIntrapersonal Definition: Leadership based on self-concept and how self-

concept relates to actions (Shamir & Eliam,2005)

Relies on the life-story of the leader Followers need to affirm leaders legitimacy Four Authentic Leadership Characteristics: ALs exhibit genuine leadership. ALs lead from conviction ALs are originals, not copies ALs base their actions on their values


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Authentic Leadership Defined

Developmental Definition: Leadership can be nurtured, and develops over a

lifetime (Avolio & Gardner, 2005) Can be triggered by major life events Leader behavior is grounded in positive psychological

qualities and strong ethicsFour authentic leadership components : Self-awareness Internalized moral perspective Balanced processing Relational transparency


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Authentic Leadership Defined

Interpersonal Definition: Leadership is created by leaders and followers

together (Eagly, 2005)

Leaders need to obtain buy in from followers Intended outcomes achieved only when

followers identify with leaders values

Leaders create change when they adapt theirmessage to followers values


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Practical Approaches to AuthenticLeadership

Robert Terry (1993) Action-centered model

Leaders should strive to do what is right

Two core leadership questions:What is really, really going on?

What are we going to do about it?

Developed Authentic Action Wheel to help leadersframe problemsLocate the problem on the diagnostic wheel

Strategically select an appropriate response to theproblem

Research


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Terrys Authentic Action Wheel


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Practical Approaches to AuthenticLeadership

Bill George (2003, 2007) Leader characteristic model

Leaders have genuine desire to serve others Five characteristics of Authentic Leaders

Understand their purpose

Strong values

Trusting relationships

Self-discipline

Act from the heart (mission)

Research


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The Authentic Leaders Characteristics


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Theoretical Approaches to AuthenticLeadership

Recent research spurred by: - Leadership summit publications (2005)

- Social upheaval and desire for leadership that serves the common good

- Need to explore meaning of authentic leadership and create theoretical framework

- Need to define the construct of authentic leadership

Research


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Definition of Authentic Leadership

A pattern that draws upon and promotesboth positive psychological capacitiesand a positive ethical climate, to foster

greater self-awareness, an internalizedmoral perspective, balanced processingof information, and relationaltransparency on the part of leaders

working with followers, fostering positiveself- development. Walumbwa, Avolio, Gardner, Wernsing & Peterson, 2008


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Basic Model of Authentic Leadership

FOUR COMPONENTS: Self-awareness

Reflecting on ones core values, identity, emotions, motives

Being aware of and trusting your own feelings Internalized moral perspective

Self-regulatory process using internal moral standards toguide behavior

Balanced processing Ability to analyze informational objectively and explore otherpeoples opinions before making a decision

- Relational transparency Being open and honest in presenting ones true self to others

Leadership as a process


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Positive psychological capacities- Confidence

- Hope- Optimism- Resilience

Moral Reasoning Capacities- Deciding right and wrong- Promoting justice, greater good of the

organization or community

Factors that Influence AuthenticLeadership

Antecedent Factors


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Factors that Influence AuthenticLeadership

Critical Life Events

- Positive or negativeAct as a catalyst for changePeople attach insights to their life experiencesWhen people tell life stories they gain clarity aboutwho they areStimulate personal growth

Antecedent Factors


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How does AuthenticLeadership theory work?

StrengthsCriticisms

Application


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How does AL theory work?

AL is a complex, developmental processThe practical approaches are prescriptive:

- Terry (1993) What is truly good for the leader, follower andorganization?- George (2003) 5 characteristics leaders need to be authentic

Theoretical approach describes what

accounts for AL:- Four attributes- Attributes developed over lifetime, often through critical events


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StrengthsFulfills societys expressed need for trustworthyleadership. Fills a void in an uncertain world.

Provides broad guidelines for those who want tobecome authentic leaders. Both practical andtheoretical approaches provide a map.Like transformational and servant leadership, ALhas an explicit moral dimension.

Unlike traits that only some people exhibit,everyone can learn to be more authentic.

Can be measured using an established instrument(ALQ).


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CriticismsThe theory is still in the formative stages, so someconcepts in the practical approaches are not fullydeveloped or substantiated.

The moral component of AL is not fully explained. Its

unclear how higher values such as justice informauthentic leadership.

The rationale for including positive psychologicalcapacities as a part of AL has not been clearly

explained by researchers.The link between authentic leadership and positiveorganizational outcomes is unclear. It is also not clearwhether AL is sufficient to achieve organizational goals.


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ApplicationPeople have the capacity to become authenticleaders. It is a lifelong learning process.

Human Resource departments may be able tofoster authentic leadership behaviors inemployees who move into leadership positions.

Leaders are always trying to do the right thing,

to be honest with themselves and others, and towork for the common good.

Leaders are shaped by critical life events thatlead to growth and greater authenticity.

Documents

10 Authentic Leadership