Biomimetic Leadership for 21st Century Companies

Edita Olaizola,Rafael Morales-Sánchez,Marcos Eguiguren Huerta

doi:10.3390/biomimetics6030047

Edita Olaizola, Rafael Morales-Sánchez + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030047

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Abstract

Biomimicry is a scientific discipline that aims to model the behavior or properties of biological systems so as to adapt them to other scientific areas. Recently, this approach has been adopted in order to develop an organizational model called “Organizational Biomimicry”. It proposes a systemic approach, a worldview that places the organization and the people related to it as an integral part of nature, and an R&D system based on continuous learning from nature. The effective management of this business model depends on leaders who can make dynamic decisions, generate commitment to the views of the company, define specific goals, actively learn on multiple levels and tackle conflicts. This type of leadership may actually be being exercised in business practice; however, no leadership style inspired by biomimicry has been theorized to date. Thus, the aim of this research was to present a biomimetic leadership model that considers nature as a model, measure and mentor. To this end, we proposed, firstly, a definition of a biomimetic leader from the point of view of the characteristics of biomimetic organizations. Then, we determined the characteristics of this leadership type. Secondly, we conducted a review of the main leadership styles analyzed in the recent literature about management; then, for each leadership type, we extracted the characteristics that will adapt to the biomimetic leadership model. From this process, we obtained the traits of a biomimetic leader. This characterization (definition plus characteristics) was subjected to an expert panel, which determined its validity.

Highlights

Biomimicry, or biomimesis—from the Greek bios and mimesis—is a scientific discipline that aims to model the behavior or properties of biological systems to adapt them to other scientific areas
From this analysis of mature systems, “it can be inferred that biomimetic organizations present light and even fluid structures, multidisciplinary teams working on projects, value management, ecosystem vision, investment in R&D focused on nature, and distributive and ethical leadership” [15] (p. 12)
To attain the objective of our research, we developed a two-step process: first, we analyzed the current literature about leadership in management to extract the characteristics that adapt to the biomimetic leadership model

Summary

Introduction

Biomimicry, or biomimesis—from the Greek bios (life) and mimesis (imitation)—is a scientific discipline that aims to model the behavior or properties of biological systems to adapt them to other scientific areas. Organisms [2]: (1) use waste as a resource; (2) diversify and cooperate to fully use the habitat; (3) gather and use energy efficiently; (4) optimize rather than maximize; (5) use materials sparingly; (6) do not foul their nets; (7) do not draw down resources; (8) remain in balance with the biosphere; (9) run on information; and (10) shop locally From this analysis of mature systems, “it can be inferred that biomimetic organizations present light and even fluid structures, multidisciplinary teams working on projects, value management, ecosystem vision, investment in R&D focused on nature, and distributive and ethical leadership” [15] From this analysis of mature systems, “it can be inferred that biomimetic organizations present light and even fluid structures, multidisciplinary teams working on projects, value management, ecosystem vision, investment in R&D focused on nature, and distributive and ethical leadership” [15] (p. 12)

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