A Grace-Based Leadership Approach to Managing Gen A in the Digital Age

Yu Sing Ong

doi:10.21272/bel.3(3).88-98.2019

Abstract

This paper discusses a grace-based approach in managing the Gen A workforce in the digital age. It is a philosophical approach that covers grace, compassion, ethics, empowerment, and trust. On the basis of the conducted research the author proposes three theoretical lenses, organizational management, religious, and philosophical hybridism to conceptualize the grace-based leadership model that addresses the deterioration in ethical business behavior which gives rise to fraud, corruption, and loss of integrity. Specifically, this paper highlights the humanism aspect of organizations from the perspective of established philosophies and religions such as I Ching, Confucianism, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism. The methodological basis for this paper is found within the theological, philosophical, psychological, and managerial fields. This study uses both interpretative phenomenological and hermeneutics approaches to interpret and understand the divine and classical texts of I Ching, Confucian Analects, Sutras, Quran, and Bhagavad Gita. The main hypothesis of the research is the idea that qualitative inquiries in management and leadership contexts can be enriched through linkages to the study of interpretative phenomenology and hermeneutics. The practical significance of this paper lies in the potential for developing a theoretical framework in humanistic leadership. According to the findings, this paper concludes that the deciding factor for an organization’s success in the digital era will be its ability to evolve its corporate culture to not only take advantage of emerging technologies but also to embrace the principle of humanism in the workplace. Keywords: Gen A, grace-based leadership, I Ching, Islam, Confucian, Buddhism, Hinduism, phenomenology, hermeneutics, grace-based approach.

Highlights

Ethics is a process by which individuals and society evaluate their actions from the perspective of moral principles and values (Hurley, 1972)
The phenomenologists focus on the lived experience of persons eliciting commonalities and shared meanings, while hermeneutics relates to the interpretation of text and language
The concept of Gen A is introduced to highlight the contribution of competent employees regardless of whether they are Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, or Gen Z

Summary

Introduction

Ethics is a process by which individuals and society evaluate their actions from the perspective of moral principles and values (Hurley, 1972). By holding on to values, society knows the principles that define acceptable behavior. These values may change as individuals become more knowledgeable due to their exposure to new technologies. A new generation of workers who are competent with technologies emerge These are known as the Generation A (analytics generation) workforce who brings new expectations to the workplace. They transverse across generations and are differentiated not by their age, but by their digital competencies. They are tech-savvy with an inherent understanding of digital technologies. They incorporate analytics into their thought process more so than others (Yu, 2019)

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion