Leadership Role Research Articles

Transformational Leadership as a Strategy to Improve Working Relations in Schools through Islamic Values

The research investigates the role of transformational leadership as an effective strategy for improving working relationships in schools by integrating Islamic values. The study explores how leadership that motivates, inspires, and empowers individuals within the educational environment can create a positive work atmosphere. Islamic values such as honesty, cooperation, mutual trust, and responsibility are central to building harmonious relationships among teachers, students, and the broader school community. The research employs a systematic literature review methodology, gathering data from academic journals, books, and relevant articles. The principal findings suggest that transformational leadership based on Islamic values not only enhances collaboration but also fosters a warm, empathetic, and supportive school environment, contributing to both character development and academic success. In conclusion, transformational leadership, underpinned by Islamic values, plays a critical role in fostering a cooperative and trust-based school culture. This leadership model positively impacts the broader educational system, making it a significant contribution to the field of educational leadership, especially within Islamic education contexts.

A DOMINAÇÃO NAS RELAÇÕES DE TRABALHO A PARTIR DA INDÚSTRIA 4.0

This article aims to conduct a bibliographical discussion on domination in labor relations based on Industry 4.0. The relevance of the topic is based on the complexity of union relations and the role of worker leadership in the creation of domination structures that are established to carry out the work process, which are essential for the sustainability of organizations. The theoretical option presents a conceptual approach to labor relations and Industry 4.0, pointing out the most significant concepts to support the study. As a methodology, this article involves qualitative, descriptive research, and a bibliographical review was chosen to allow the use of previously published material, serving as a contribution to the foundation of the studied topic. It was concluded that domination manifests itself in labor relations based on Industry 4.0, based on subcontracting focused on the process of flexibilization in work organizations, insecurity, vulnerability, low or no qualification labor, poverty, and increasingly suppressed rights.

The Instructional Leadership Role of Superintendents in Instructionally Effective School Districts

Throughout the past four decades (1983-2024), the rise of a global economy and the changing nature of American society underscored the importance of educating all children. Successive waves of education reform in the United States of America (USA) launched a wide array of initiatives focused on improving student learning. These state and federal policy initiatives were accompanied by an historic shift in role expectations of school district superintendents. An examination of trend data reported in three successive nation-wide reports released by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) for the years 2000, 2010 and 2020 (Glass, Björk & Brunner, 2000; Kowalski, et al., 2011; Tienken, 2021) suggest that role expectations for district superintendents moved from away from an emphasis on management to a focus on instructional leadership. In addition, findings on superintendent instructional leadership practices in Instructionally Effective School Districts (IESD) reported by Bjork (1993, 2010, 2024) and Bjork & Browne-Ferrigno (2014) note that they effectively used their managerial position to support district-wide instructional improvement. They found that superintendents serving in IESD school districts used enacted their management responsibilities in areas that would indirectly influence the quality of learning and teaching including: (1) Staff selection and recruitment; (2) Principal supervision and evaluation; (3) Establishing clear instructional and curricular goals; (4) Monitoring learning and curricular improvement activities and, (5) Financial planning for instruction. These findings suggest that IESD superintendents’ use their management prerogatives to enact their instructional leadership role and reframe school district leadership for deeper learning in next generation schools.

The Role of Urban Community Leaders in Local Product Development Using Intellectual Capital: A Case Study of Bangkok, Thailand

This research investigates the role of urban community leaders in leveraging local intellectual capital for the design and development of community products. It examines how these leaders contributed to creating products that fostered self-sufficiency within their communities. Data were collected from 43 communities across 5 sub-districts in Dusit District, Bangkok, involving a total of 453 participants. The study employed a combination of explanatory and interdisciplinary research methods. The findings revealed that community leaders significantly contributed to accumulating intellectual capital for product development. Especially, the highest engagement observed in collective brainstorming sessions. The most actively engaged leaders were female, aged 40 years. In contrast, self-reliant leaders, who typically held bachelor’s degrees, exhibited cautious spending habits and a commitment to community rules and self-reliance without government support. Community leaders collaboratively designed the Dusit Brand logo and proposed a seven-stage process for urban community product development. This process includes incorporating local wisdom, reflecting community identity, fostering public participation, developing local knowledge, exhibiting products, building community reputation and recognition, and achieving community standards. The research highlights that sustainable community products are created through a process of understanding, accessing, and developing the local economy and society, with a focus on enhancing social quality for sustainability.

Interconnected Stock Markets: Analysing Cointegration and Correlation among Global Stock Indices

This study examines the long-term and short-term relationships among five major global stock indices—NSE NIFTY (India), S&P 500 (USA), FTSE 100 (UK), Hang Seng (Hong Kong), and Nikkei 225 (Japan)—over the period from 2008 to 2023. Using advanced econometric techniques such as Johansen cointegration tests, Engle-Granger residual cointegration test and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), the research explores the degree of interconnectedness and cointegration among these indices. The results indicate strong positive correlations between NSE NIFTY, S&P 500, and Nikkei 225, suggesting a growing synchronization of these markets due to global economic integration. Johansen's test reveals the presence of multiple long-term equilibrium relationships, affirming that despite short-term deviations, these markets tend to move together in response to global macroeconomic factors. The analysis further highlights that the S&P 500 and FTSE 100 indices exhibit significant error correction mechanisms, underscoring their leadership role in global market dynamics. In contrast, NSE NIFTY shows a weaker adjustment toward long-term equilibrium, indicating its reactive nature to changes in other global indices, particularly the S&P 500. The study finds that while Hang Seng and Nikkei 225 are connected globally, their short-term linkages appear weaker, likely influenced by regional factors. Overall, the results emphasize the critical influence of the U.S. and Japanese markets on NSE NIFTY, with both long-term cointegration and short-term market dynamics shaping the Indian stock market’s movements. This research offers key insights for investors seeking to understand global stock market interdependencies and manage portfolio risk.

Emotional Intelligence and Workplace Spirituality in Predicting Career Success of High-Tech Leaders

In the highly competitive environment of the high-tech industry, leadership roles are often filled with numerous challenges and stressors. Success in the workforce requires a combination of high emotional intelligence and a connection to workplace spirituality. This study aimed to compare demographic differences among high-tech leaders regarding emotional intelligence, workplace spirituality, and career success. It also sought to examine the relationships and effects of emotional intelligence and workplace spirituality on career success, as well as the moderating role of workplace spirituality in these relationships. A survey was conducted with 139 leaders from various high-tech companies in Taiwan. The results showed that male leaders demonstrated higher levels of self-awareness and self-motivation in emotional intelligence, while leaders with higher education levels exhibited greater self-awareness and empathy. Additionally, both emotional intelligence and workplace spirituality were significant predictors of career success. Notably, workplace spirituality moderated the relationship between emotional intelligence and career success. The implications of this study highlight the importance of enhancing emotional intelligence and workplace spirituality to foster leaders’ career success and gain a competitive advantage in the high-tech industry.

The role of Nigeria in the regional integration process in west Africa (1975 - 2023): Case study of Ecowas

This paper examines Nigeria's role in the regional integration process in West Africa through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 1975 to 2023. Nigeria's significant economic, political, and military influence in the region has positioned it as a key player in ECOWAS. This study explores Nigeria's contributions, challenges, and the impact of its policies on regional integration. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical and contemporary data, this paper provides insights into Nigeria's leadership and its implications for regional stability and development. The findings from the study revealed Nigeria's pivotal role in the regional integration process in West Africa through ECOWAS. Nigeria's economic strength, political leadership, and security contributions have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of ECOWAS. The country's efforts in promoting economic integration, mediating conflicts, and supporting peacekeeping missions have significantly contributed to regional stability and development. However, the analysis also highlights several challenges that have impacted Nigeria's role. Economic vulnerabilities, domestic political instability, and regional rivalries have occasionally hindered Nigeria's ability to lead effectively. Addressing these challenges is crucial for Nigeria to sustain its leadership role and for ECOWAS to achieve its integration objectives.

Rediscovering paternalistic leadership: a powerful engine for startup

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of paternalistic leadership, a predominant leadership style in Confucian-influenced East Asia, on the growth and innovation of start-up companies, particularly within the information technology sector. Contrary to the prevailing belief that paternalistic leadership stifles innovation, our findings reveal that this leadership style can significantly enhance business performance. This study identifies key mechanisms, such as fostering employee loyalty, improving decision-making processes, and encouraging proactive behaviours, that drive growth under paternalistic leadership. Empirical evidence shows that employees under such leadership exhibit entrepreneurial behaviours marked by innovation, risk-taking, and initiative, leading to measurable improvements in profitability, customer satisfaction, and market share. These results underscore the role of paternalistic leadership in accelerating the success of East Asian start-ups and provide valuable insights for organisations seeking to balance cultural leadership styles with the demands for innovation.

Fostering educational equity through leadership and policy innovations for sustainable development in higher education

This paper explores leadership strategies and policy innovations aimed at fostering educational equity in higher education, particularly for underserved and marginalized communities. It emphasizes the crucial role of institutional leadership in aligning strategic goals with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), to ensure inclusivity, access, retention, and long-term success for disadvantaged students. The analysis includes a discussion of key leadership approaches, such as inclusive leadership and mentorship programs, and policy innovations that address financial, academic, and social barriers to equity. The integration of specific SDGs into educational policies is also examined, highlighting the importance of comprehensive support services, diverse curricula, and community partnerships. Recommendations for higher education leaders and policymakers focus on expanding financial aid, promoting inclusive campus environments, and strengthening collaborative efforts with government and community stakeholders. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a proactive and strategic approach to embedding equity within the core functions of higher education institutions, ensuring that they contribute to sustainable development and social justice.

Shared leadership – vertical leadership dynamics in teams

Shared leadership, team members collectively leading the team, has developed from a new perspective on team leadership to an established area of research. As the evidence of the effectiveness of shared leadership accumulates, it comes increasingly into focus that we lack theory about the dynamic interplay of shared leadership and vertical leadership – the leadership by the individual formally assigned to lead the team. The absence of such theory is problematic because vertical leadership is a continuing presence in the shared leadership process and, to be effective, vertical leadership should arguably both influence and be influenced by shared leadership. Linear models in which vertical leadership is treated as a predictor of shared leadership without taking this dynamic into account fall short of capturing how vertical and shared leadership work in conjunction. We propose theory to address this, outlining how vertical leadership can develop, maintain, and complement shared leadership in a process in which shared and vertical leadership coevolve as they influence each other. We identify an internal role for vertical leadership in stimulating the development and maintenance of team cognition for shared leadership, guiding the team in shared leadership, and engendering team reflexivity to learn from the experience with shared leadership, and an external role in complementing shared leadership through boundary spanning to connect the team to its external environment. As shared leadership develops over time, it influences these vertical leadership behaviors, such that vertical leadership evolves as shared leadership evolves.

The Strategic Role of Digital Transformation: Leveraging Digital Leadership to Enhance Employee Performance and Organizational Commitment in the Digital Era

Given the rapid advancements in the digital transformation era, digital leadership has become essential for enhancing employee performance and organizational commitment. This study specifically examines the mediating role of digital transformation in the relationship between digital leadership, employee performance, and organizational commitment, drawing on data collected between June and August 2024 from 579 participants across diverse industries. The findings demonstrate that digital leadership significantly enhances employee outcomes by driving digital transformation, which serves as a crucial intermediary that amplifies the positive effects of leadership. This research underscores the importance of aligning leadership strategies with digital transformation initiatives, especially in the DT-driven business landscape, to promote sustainable growth and maintain a competitive edge. By highlighting the combined influence of leadership and digital transformation on employee performance and organizational commitment, this study provides valuable insights for organizations addressing the complexities of digital change. It also emphasizes the pivotal role of leadership in fostering innovation and organizational resilience in the digital transformation era.

Chief medical officers in the United Kingdom: maintaining 'independence' inside government.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO), one of the UK's most senior public health leadership roles, was crucial in supporting policymakers in responding to COVID-19. Yet, there exist only a handful of (largely historical) accounts of the role in England. This article is the first to empirically examine how the scope, focus and boundaries of the CMO role vary over time across the four UK nations, including during public health emergencies. We undertook semi-structured interviews with 10 current and former CMOs/Deputy CMOs in the four UK nations and analysed relevant documents. The CMO role is not clearly defined in contemporary UK legislation and is instead shaped by iterative policies, incumbent preferences, and organizational needs, leading to variation over time and between nations. Nonetheless, most participants framed the role as primarily providing 'independent' advice to government despite being senior civil servants who, in communicating with the public, sometimes speak 'on behalf' of government. The flexibility of UK CMO roles allows for responsive adaption but poses risks for how well these roles are understood. A potential tension between providing 'independent' policy advice and a need to publicly communicate government policies and guidelines may be exacerbated in emergency contexts.

Addressing health inequality and inequity for people with intellectual disabilities: a collective responsibility for all nurses

Purpose People with intellectual disabilities are high users of acute hospital care. Given their varied and often complex health-care needs, they often experience health inequalities and inequities, contributing to poorer health outcomes. As nurses are the largest health-care workforce with a patient-facing role, they have an important responsibility in meeting this populations health needs. The purpose of this paper is to explore key issues relating to the role nurses play in providing equitable health care for people with intellectual disabilities. Design/methodology/approach This service feature draws upon relevant literature to examine key contextual issues highlighting the importance of nurses in providing equitable health care for people with intellectual disabilities. Findings The findings from this service feature highlight the importance of nurses taking a leadership role in advocating for, and actively supporting the health needs of people with intellectual disabilities. Nurses’ leadership role, along with implementing reasonable adjustments, should be underpinned by education and training relating to the bespoke health needs of people with intellectual disabilities. This should help nurses promote the health and well-being of this population. Originality/value Addressing this populations health needs is a collective responsibility of all nurses. There are many examples of how nurses can be supported through policy, education, training and advocacy and this needs to be considered by key stakeholders and addressed as a matter of priority.

Religious monoglossia/heteroglossia and discourses of women leadership in Pakistani higher education

A growing body of literature reveals how women in higher education are either excluded from leadership roles or face challenges when they take such responsibilities. The role of religion in Muslim societies is vital to understand Muslim women's sense of “self” and their academic leadership roles and engagement in social and political activities. This study uses Bakhtin's writings as well as a feminist perspective in Islam to unpack how religious discourses shape and construe Muslim women's leadership roles in a public university in Pakistan. Data in this study was drawn from two sources: (a) semi-structured interviews with women academic leaders and academics and (b) focus group discussions with postgraduate students. Findings suggest that discourse around women's leadership in higher education in Pakistan is influenced by a male-centric religious monoglossia characterized by discourses on the hijab, masculinist religious epistemologies, and male-centric divine imagery. In addition, the study points to heteroglossic de-centering of the religious monoglossia by suggesting heteroglossic fluidity in Pakistani religious ethics that favors women's roles as leaders in higher education. A heteroglossic fluidity is characterized by how Islam is viewed as a national project, interpreted along sectarian and gendered lines, and often misused to discourage women from assuming leadership roles.

A Systematic Literature Review of Intersectional Leadership in the Workplace: The Landscape and Framework for Future Leadership Research and Practice to Challenge Interlocking Systems of Oppression

Normalized, dominant leadership styles favoring masculinity and aggressiveness disregard the impact of intersectional social identities and inequities on leadership practices and perpetuate leadership gaps and inequities in organizations, for example, preventing women and people of color from advancing into leadership roles. This study aims to explore how intersectionality plays a role in workplace leadership and propose a framework for future leadership research and practice that foregrounds intersectionality. To achieve this aim, this study systematically classified and reviewed 160 empirical studies on intersectionality in leadership in work and organization contexts. Most studies described the leadership experiences and strategies of individuals from multiple marginalized, historically excluded (MMHE) groups and the factors that influence their leadership. Some studies presented the intersectional effects of leadership and illuminated relational and contextual aspects of the leadership process. We discussed tensions within the findings and proposed a framework for intersectional leadership based on the results of the literature review. We conclude with a call for illuminating intersectional leadership as a promising process to achieve organizational social justice.

Charismatic Leadership: How Good Bosses Build Positive Employee Relationships Through Non-Power Factors

This research thoroughly explores how charismatic leaders build and maintain positive and harmonious employee relationships through a series of non-power factors, thus playing an irreplaceable role in organizational development. The core of charismatic leadership lies in transcending the traditional framework of authority and utilizing non-powerful means such as personal charisma, vision sharing, emotional resonance and value leadership to stimulate the intrinsic motivation of employees, and to promote the cohesion and creativity of the team. This paper analyzes cases in practice in detail, and then summarizes that charismatic leadership can play a great role in different situations. The paper shows that charismatic leaders have a profound and positive impact on organizational performance through their unique leadership style and influence mechanism. Charismatic leaders provide a strong impetus for organizational prosperity by motivating employees, driving change, and enhancing performance. This study can provide leaders with more comprehensive and in-depth guidance to help them better perform their leadership roles in the complex and changing business environment.

Peru’s leadership in the Lima Group: emergence and failure (2015–2021)

This research seeks to understand the factors that enabled Peru, a medium-sized country in Latin America, to take on a leadership role in the creation and development of the Lima Group—a multilateral mechanism whose main objective was to find a resolution to the democratic crisis in Venezuela—as well as the subsequent failure of this leadership. Using the analytical tools provided by Neoclassical Realism, this study argues that Peru’s leadership was made possible not only by the growing importance of the Venezuelan crisis on the international agenda since 2015 but also by changes in regional and global power dynamics. These shifts allowed a country like Peru to exercise such leadership and garner greater interest from the United States. Additionally, the presence of a favorable domestic political climate and clear national interests led the Peruvian government to view this leadership as beneficial, not only for the region but also for Peru itself. However, despite the Venezuelan crisis remaining on the international agenda due to Nicolás Maduro’s continued hold on power, the hardening of the U.S. stance on Venezuela and political changes at the regional level since 2018 fractured the Lima Group and undermined Peru’s leadership. Moreover, domestically, political changes led to heightened instability, weakening Peru’s external position. Finally, the surge in Venezuelan migration and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the priorities of Peru’s foreign policy, diminishing its focus on the Venezuelan crisis and contributing to the failure of its leadership.

Digital Leadership: Its Influence on Driving Digital Policy Adoption in the Public Sector

This study examines the pivotal role of digital leadership in driving government transformation. By leveraging advanced data analytics, governments can formulate more predictive policies and anticipate future challenges. Digital services enhance efficiency, accessibility, and transparency, fostering trust in government institutions. However, successful digital transformation hinges on effective leadership. Digital leaders possess the skills to navigate complex digital environments, cultivate digital mindsets, and identify opportunities. This research explores the competencies required for digital leadership, including data analytics, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Furthermore, it investigates the impact of digital leadership on policy adoption, service delivery, and organizational culture. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study contributes to the understanding of how digital leadership can accelerate government modernization and improve public service delivery.

A Study on the Evolution of Oil Trade Relations Between Japan and Russia from Geopolitical Perspective

The research on the relationship between international trade and geopolitics has garnered extensive attention. However, there are still numerous aspects worth discussing in the study of the impact of East Asian geopolitics on its economic and trade exchanges. This paper analyzes the changes in the oil trade policy of Japan and Russia under the influence of international relations between ecology and geopolitics. This article also examines the distinct dilemmas of Japan and Russia and the trend of international relations. That is, Russia is facing the blockade of its energy economy and trade by Western countries, and Japan is facing the problem of oil trade simplification, as well as the impact and influence of the international environment and the policies of the two countries. Based on this, this paper puts forward the following suggestions. Japan should seek a trade balance among big countries flexibly and pragmatically. As a big country, Russia should assume a leadership role in global trade while pursuing mutually beneficial and win-win results with other countries.

Emphasizing the Communal Demands of a Leader Role Makes Job Interviews Less Stressful for Women But Not More Successful

The cultural construal of leadership as masculine impedes women’s attainment of leader roles. This research examined whether adding feminine demands to a leader role relieved the greater stress experienced by women than men in a job interview for a leadership position and considered the processes that mediated women’s less favourable interview outcomes. In a hiring simulation, management students (N = 209; 112 women, 97 men) interviewed for a leader role framed by either stereotypically feminine or masculine role requirements. As shown by the stress biomarker salivary cortisol, the feminine role framing alleviated women’s, but not men’s, physiological stress response during the interview. However, under both masculine and feminine role framing, women, compared with men, reported lesser fit, expected poorer interview performance, appraised greater threat relative to challenge, and evaluated their performance less favourably, as did external raters. An additional vignette study (N = 305; 189 women, 111 men, 5 diverse) found that the feminine role framing increased the leader role’s communal demands but still conveyed strong agentic demands not different from those of the masculine role. In conclusion, although a feminine role framing alleviated women’s physiological stress response, it did not change their less favourable outcomes, as indicated by participants’ self-reports and others’ reports.