Abstract
This case study analyses the leadership approach and practices of the New Zealand government, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, in the response thus far to the COVID-19 pandemic. It reports on how a shared sense of purpose has been established, that of minimizing harm to lives and livelihoods, for which the government has sought – and secured – New Zealanders’ commitment. Key leadership practices comprise the government’s willingness to themselves be led by expertise, its efforts to mobilise the population, and to enable coping, all of which serve to build the trust in leadership needed for transformative, collective action such as the pandemic demands. At the time of writing, New Zealand appears well on track to achieve its ambitious goal of achieving rapid and complete control over the COVID-19 outbreak – not just ‘flattening the curve’ as other countries are struggling to do – at least in part due to these leadership contributions. A framework of good practices for pandemic leadership is offered drawn from this case study, in the hope transferable lessons can be taken to aid others in the continuing struggle to limit the harm COVID-19 poses to lives and livelihoods throughout the world.
Highlights
Yes, leadership mattersAs a critically oriented leadership scholar, I have long had a somewhat ambivalent relationship with my object of analysis
On the other hand, I am much influenced by both research and personal experience that indicates poor leadership is both woefully commonplace and very harmful and that, in contrast, good leadership can make a real difference to both organisations and societies
New Zealand’s steep decline in new cases after only a very short period of exponential growth provides validation for the government’s decision in terms of its objective of saving lives and stamping out COVID-19 within our borders. This outcome from what, at this juncture, may only be the ‘first wave’ of infection around the globe, stands in sharp relief to what other developed countries have experienced – that will be of cold comfort to those in New Zealand who have lost those they love to the virus
Summary
Leadership mattersAs a critically oriented leadership scholar, I have long had a somewhat ambivalent relationship with my object of analysis. I turn to analyse the leadership aspects of that response, offering a framework of the key practices that the case of New Zealand seems to indicate can be helpful for leadership in a pandemic context.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
