Authentic Leadership

Exploring Contemporary Leadership Theories

Concept of Authenticity- ‘to thine own self be true’

• Being, knowing, and remaining true to one’s self

• Understanding of beliefs, strengths, talents, desires and resists compromising their principles

• Coherence between what one is and what one does

• An authentic self-expression that creates value

Authentic Leadership Development • “Process that draws from both positive psychological capacities and a highly

developed organizational context, which results in both greater self-awareness and self-regulated positive behaviors on the part of leaders and associates, fostering positive self-development.”

Components of Authentic Leadership

• Positive psychological capacities: confidence, optimism, hope, resiliency, faith

• Positive moral component: ethical actions, truthful, honest

• Leader self-awareness: values, identity, emotions, goals/motives• Leader self-regulation: aligning values with intentions & actions

• Knowledge of weaknesses & strengths • Pure, real, takes responsibility for decisions

…Authentic Leadership• Align actions over time across

varying situational challenges

• Foster positive ethical climate by practicing their preaches

• Help followers realize full potential

Leader: Authenticity

• ‘leadership style that is consistent with leaders personality, and that is honest, ethical, and practical’

• ‘more interested in empowering employees than in money or personal power’

• ‘continued personal growth and committed to building lasting relationships and strong organizations’

References • Alok, Kumar, and D. Israel. "Authentic Leadership & Work

Engagement." Indian Journal Of Industrial Relations 47.3 (2012): 498-510. Business Source Premier. Web. 2 Apr. 2013.

• Ardichvili, Alexandre, and Steven Manderscheid. "Emerging Practices in Leadership Development: An Introduction.” Advances in Developing Human Resources, 10.5 (2008): 619-631.

• Avolio, Bruce J, and William L Gardner. "Authentic Leadership Development: Getting to the Root of Positive Forms of Leadership." The Leadership Quarterly, 16.3 (2005): 315-338.

• Avolio, Bruce J. "Promoting More Integrative Strategies for Leadership Theory-building." The American Psychologist, 62.1 (2007): 25-33.