dc.description.abstract | This dissertation aimed to explore leadership through viewing it as a purpose-driven collective
process. Traditionally, leadership has been viewed as an influence process where leaders
directed followers, which has prevented exploring the essence of leadership. This old tripod
ontology is challenged by viewing leadership as collectively producing PAC- purpose,
alignment and commitment, through three practices: change readiness, psychological safety
and futures literacy. Exploring how these can be implemented and the implications, creates the
basis for the analysis.
The world view of this dissertation is interpretivism. Through qualitative analysis, seven
categories emerged as relevant for answering the research question. The findings revealed the
delivery of PAC calls for improvement, as there is a lack of clear purpose. Identifying and
communicating a clear purpose will be beneficial, as it guides everyone towards a common
goal. In addition, findings imply that leadership culture supports implementation of PAC, based
on views from informants.
Exploring leadership through PAC contributed to a broader understanding of peoples’
involvement and understanding of leadership, compared to the tripod view, as it acknowledges
the collective contribution. Through a cultural approach to leadership, viewing it as a
continuous flow of practices, the understanding of why and how to implement PAC is
strengthened. This is due to a deeper comprehension of interactions and relationships within
the organisation. Implications of introducing PAC were both positive and negative. Findings
suggest that it will lead to more inclusion, common sense of purpose, clear communication,
strengthening the sense of responsibility and ownership. The main concern was the lack of
inclusion of staff in futures processes, as it decreases ownership, readiness alignment and
commitment. Together with an undefined purpose, it results in more individual working as
opposed to collective.
Future students are recommended to build on this dissertation through the use of different
methods and practices. Futures literacy should also be further explored, and existing leadership
theory challenged. Further, practitioners are recommended to deliver leadership through PAC
and implement leadership as practice by introducing the relevant practices. Together with
knowledge transfer and embracing failure, this will encourage involvement and contribution | |