Preview

Authentic Leadership

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
3795 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Authentic Leadership
Authentic Leadership

Matthew Stalsworth

Central Michigan University

Abstract

Authentic leadership is an emerging theory in recent years. This paper firstly introduces definitions of authentic leadership. Then discusses related viewpoints and approaches of authentic leadership. The authentic leadership questionnaire (ALQ) is a measurement tool used in authentic leadership and is briefly reviewed. Finally, I make suggestions for future research in the study authentic research theory.

Authentic Leadership

Have you ever said that a person is a born leader? Have you ever noticed how some people seem to be more authentic about themselves than others? Is it instinct, an in born personality trait, or is authentic leadership learned? What unique qualities do authentic leaders possess? How come there are so few authentic leaders? How is authentic leadership recognized? Can anyone actually become an authentic leader? Can we assume that authentic leadership is the best type of leadership?

Over the last few decades, many people have asked these questions. As a result, the topic of leadership has gained the attention of researchers worldwide and a multitude of books has been published. As Northouse (2013) points out, leadership is a complex process, “as many as 65 different classification systems have been developed to define the dimensions of leadership and there are almost as many different definitions of leadership as there are people who have tried to define it” (p. 2). As someone in a position of leadership, it is essential to recognize and develop a personal style they can implement.

Authentic leadership is presented as a root construct of all positive, effective forms of leadership (Avolio et. al., 2005), including spiritual, ethical, servant, and transformational leadership. Avolio (2003) defines authentic leadership in organizations as “a process



References: Avolio, B. & Gardner, W. (2005). Authentic leadership development: Getting to the root of positive forms of leadership. The Leadership Quarterly, Vol. 16, 315-338. Bass, B. M. (1985). Leadership and performance beyond expectations. New York: Free Press. Bass, B. M., & Steidlmeier, P. (1999). Ethics, character, and authentic transformational leadership behavior. The Leadership Quarterly, 10(2), 181-217. Fredrickson, B. L. (2003). Positive emotions and upward spirals in organizations. In K. S. Cameron, J. E. Dutton,& R. E. Quinn (Eds.), Positive organizational scholarship (pp. 163-175). San Francisco: Berrett-Kohler. George, B. (Oct. 2006). Truly authentic leadership. http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/061022/30authentic.htm Johnson, C Kernis, M. H. (2003). Toward a conceptualization of optimal self-esteem. Psychological Inquiry, 14, 1-26. Klenke, K. (2007). Authentic leadership: A self, leader, and spiritual identity perspective. International Journal of Leadership Studies, Vol. 3, Issue 1. May, D. & Chan, A. (2003). Developing the moral component of authentic leadership. Organizational Dynamics, Vol. 32, No. 3 pp. 247-260. Northouse, P. G. (2012). Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice (Second ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership: theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Shamir, B., & Eilam, G. (2005). What’s your story?: A life-stories approach to authentic leadership development Simmons, B. L., (2010). Authentic Leadership.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Best Essays

    Course Project Gt 591

    • 4537 Words
    • 14 Pages

    Dhiman, S. (2011). Personal mastery and authentic leadership. Organization Development Journal, 29(2), 69-83. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxylocal.library.nova.edu/docview/899227431?accountid=6579…

    • 4537 Words
    • 14 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Best Essays

    Authentic Leadership

    • 2723 Words
    • 11 Pages

    HOW TO BECOME AN AUTHENTIC LEADER Introduction to Authentic Leadership Webster’s Dictionary defines authenticity as being genuine…

    • 2723 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Good Essays

    Authentic leadership deals partly with the relationship with oneself as a leader. Following and relying on one’s own instincts and judgements to lead others and do what is best for an organization. Luthans and Avolio (2003) as mentioned by Northouse, provided traits that may influence a leader to become an authentic leader; “confidence, hope, optimism and resilience” (p.265). At some time, I think we all have had a leader that did not possess most of these. If more leaders embodied these attributes or strived to have more, organization would be better off. Northouse likened authentic leaders with servant leaders and transformational leader as well; styles that emphases doing the right thing (Northhouse 2013, p.268). Authentic leaders need to be true to themselves and act in the best interest of the ones they lead. Their concern is not with how prestigious they are or that they are the most important person in an organization, but the job is done correctly and the business benefits from their…

    • 440 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Authentic Leadership

    • 945 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Authentic leadership is a form of leadership that does not have a solid definition. This form of leadership is newly being researched, but the main focus is on how true or genuine the leader is. Because this leadership style is still in the formative stages of development, the description of this style is likely to change with more research in the upcoming years (Northouse, 2013).…

    • 945 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The authentic leader will make sure their followers have all the accurate information that they need. "Authentic leaders are portrayed as possessing self-knowledge and a personal point of view, which reflects clarity about their values and convictions. They are also portrayed as identifying strongly with their leadership role, expressing themselves by enacting that role, and acting on the basis of their values and convictions." (Eilam & Shamir, 2005) Authentic leaders are very confident.…

    • 603 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Authentic leadership is an emerging theory with its roots derived from Greek philosophy, with Waite, McKinney, Smith, and Meloy (2014) state it denotes a humanistic stance, with the notion to thine own self be true. Luthans and Avolio (2003, p. 243) define authentic leadership as “a process that draw from positive psychological capactities and highly developed organizational context, this reslts in a greater self-awarness and self-regulated…

    • 843 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP

    • 910 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The authors have trace the theoretical roots and foundations that underpin current conceptions of authentic leadership theory and in addition, presented definitions for the constructs of authenticity, authentic leaders, authentic leadership, and authentic leadership development, several of which are introduced, with the intent of clarifying these constructs at the very earliest stages of theory development.…

    • 910 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The textbook defines authentic leadership as “grounded in the principle found in the familiar adage to thine own self to be true” (Hughes, Ginnett, & Curphy, p. 165). Authentic leadership is leadership that focuses on establishing a leader’s sincerity through honest relationship with supporters which value their input which is built on an ethical foundation. This leadership put emphases…

    • 226 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    and disillusioned with corporate leaders. A recent global survey by Kenexa® reports that only 38 percent of employees rate their leaders as effective. This is a shocking statistic that paints a bleak picture of leaders. However, it is even more worrying when our research also shows that employee engagement is actually five times higher for those employees who believe their leaders are effective, compared to those who say they follow neutral or ineffective leaders. This loss of faith in contemporary leaders has propelled researchers and practitioners to take a fresh look at the state of leadership theory and development, bringing about a renewed interest in the concept of authentic leadership. In the quest for authentic leaders, Bill George (2003), a former corporate head himself, issued a statement: “Wanted—authentic leaders...we need leaders who lead with purpose, values and integrity; leaders who build enduring organizations, motivate their employees to provide superior customer service and create long-term value for shareholders.” Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones started in 2001 by asking executives a single question, “Why should anyone be led by you?” This simple question without fail silenced rooms of executives, however, it started a fascinating debate and research into authentic leadership. To us, business is personal • www.kenexa.com So what is authentic leadership? Despite the fact that the concept of authenticity can be traced back to ancient Greece where being authentic meant “to thine own self be true,” the theoretical treatment of authenticity in the context of leadership is relatively new and still in development. The first theoretical model was proposed in 2003, by Luthans and Avolio, who defined authentic leadership as “A process…

    • 1477 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Authentic Leadership

    • 541 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Authentic leadership is the practice of building trust through honesty, transparency, and self-awareness. Authentic leaders have strong values and always consider the ethical and moral consequences of their actions. Furthermore, they carefully weigh options and others’ viewpoints before making decisions (Regan, Laschinger, & Wong, 2016; Fusco, O’Riordan, & Palmer, 2016). Based on the results of the Seven Habits Profile (2017), I believe many of my traits align with authentic leadership.…

    • 541 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Certificate of Authenticity

    • 2621 Words
    • 11 Pages

    Abstract This paper explores a few key characteristics of an authentic leader. In the beginning it describes…

    • 2621 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Authentic Leadership

    • 1004 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The Text of the authentic leadership draws very much on the need for an authentic leader, who actually takes position for his own values and his true believes. I do very much agree with this assumption due to personal experiences. I came across this phenomenon while teaching kids. Children e.g. are able to distinguish between an authentic fury and a played one. As a consequent they would not respond to a played fury while they actually change their inappropriate behaviour when I am truly angry with someone/ something. What further comes into my mind in respect to authenticity is every manner of art expression. If art is produced due to an inner feeling, which needed to be expressed, it has often more responsiveness than an image e.g. which was just made for commercial intentions, this applies also for music. If we transfer that to leading we come to the same conclusion as the text; the today’s leaders need to be authentic in order to be creditable and develop long-term relationships with their followers. A further aspect of authenticity is the showing of one-self’s true personality. I think a leadership style that includes wearing ‘masks’ is not successful for the long-term.…

    • 1004 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Many different researches have been done, many books have been written, and many lectures have been given on different styles of leadership. A combination of passion, consistency, confidence, hope, and compassion, along with other important qualities are essential for a person in order to become a good leader. It is important to mention, that with some of these qualities a person is born, other can be taught throughout life. As a formative phase of a development, the leader of any kind must live by example. Nowadays, more than ever, real leadership is very important in all aspects of life. In the following project I will discuss what exactly is authentic leadership and what does it mean to be an authentic leader.…

    • 2214 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    According to Bob Terry (1993), authentic leadership is an awareness by the leader of what is proper and tangible inside the leaders self, the team and organizaiont as it relates to what is accurate and tangible in his or her world. Leaders who are authentic are confident, hopeful, optimistic and reseilent people who deeply they think and behave. When an individual connect their personal values with the actions they take authenticity happens. Moreover, authentic leaders bulk at defining their leadership characterists or dwell on styles od leadership since they are character driven. They have developed their own style of leadership based on what they have learned or experienced and this determines the consistency they maintain that is part of their character and personality. Authenticity is a field of study that came into being due to the plea for improve ethics in leadership due to a number of 21st century leaders involvement in corporate scandals. Authentic leaders show integrity at a high level with a strong committment to buiding an organization based on the purpose, value, and self-discipline. Delauer (2012) maintains that the authenticay of leaders is influended a great deal by society and the person’s culture.…

    • 553 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Management and Leadership

    • 1542 Words
    • 7 Pages

    ‘Leadership is at its best when its vision is strategic, the voice persuasive and the results tangible. In the study of leadership, an exact definition is not essential but guiding concepts are needed’. Useem1…

    • 1542 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays