At the Research Committee meeting last week, a proposal on ‘Worldly Leadership’ was approved. The research team intends to explore, understand and learn from non-Western models of leadership by partnering with universities in China, India and, later, countries in South America, Africa and the Middle East.
Most existing leadership models are dominated by a western mindset, yet we know that there is lots to be learned from parts of the world that traditionally have not had a ‘voice’. This research proposal comes at a time when capitalism is being called into question, and business schools taken to task for exacerbating self-interest and greed by institutions and the people who lead them.
The research is connected to the Worldly Leadership Initiative with which Ashridge is closely involved, supporting the lead partner, The Leadership Trust. The Initiative is hosting the Second Worldly Leadership Summit on 6-7 September at the Leadership Trust’s premises in Ross-on-Wye.
I am very interested in leadership research and I am keen to work with others in the field. My major contribution thus far has been the development of a multiple intelligence model of effective leadership. Coming from Africa and more specifically South Africa, I also see the need for some of the African ways of thinking around leadership to be incorporated into the current leadership debates.
May I be put into contact with other researches keen on exchanging ideas and perhaps publishing together.
Sincerely
Prof Basil C Leonard
I am a doctoral student who is interested in leadership research and adult learning in higher institutions. Being born in West Africa but have resided in the USA ofr most of my life, I have the urge to understand Africa mores, especially West African Leadership. Is there anyone who is doing this research? Please contact me ASAP.
hi Yvonne.
Thanks for your interest in the Worldly Leadership research. The research team will start work in China and India, before looking at Africa, the Middle East and South America. The research on African leadership is scheduled to start toward the end of 2011, so I suggest you keep an eye on the Ashridge Leadership Centre webpages and perhaps contact Vicki Culpin, one of the researchers, to discuss further. Vicki’s email address is: vicki.culpin@ashridge.org.uk
Hi Shirine:
Thank you very much for the information. I will contact Vicki. Regarding the research in China and India – is there any way I can have information on the progress of the research including data?
Again, thank you.
Yvonne