Reflections on the Concept of Authentic Leadership: From an Indigenous Scholar/Leader Perspective

Abstract

The Problem This article draws on the author’s experiences as an American Indian administrator and faculty member in a public university. The dilemma presented here revolves around her struggle to reconcile her identity as an Indigenous person with the values, beliefs, and priorities of an academic institution solidly rooted in Western structures and traditions. The Solution The author draws on this dilemma as she reflects on the concept of authentic leadership as a practicable goal for Indigenous leaders within the academy. In doing so, she cites the need for a nuanced conception of authentic leadership that takes into account the complex identities of Indigenous peoples. The Stakeholders The dilemma presented here can be used by human resource development scholars and practitioners as a tool for examining and understanding the ways in which the concept of authentic leadership both conflicts and resonates with the personal and professional values of Indigenous scholars/leaders within academic environments.