Authentic Servant And Spiritual Leadership Theories Summary

Authentic, Servant, and Spiritual Leadership Theories: Ethics in Review

Introduction

The articles assigned for this week covered authentic, servant, and spiritual leadership theories, and how they impact the leader and the follower. These theories tapped into some of the intrinsic constructs and characteristics that are observed in leaders who adopt the said styles of leadership. The focus has shifted to the leaders’ ability to evoke a certain emotion from followers by leading with a degree of trustworthiness and morality (Luthans & Avolio, 2003; Caza & Jackson, 2011). The question of ethics is present in each leadership style, and the focus in primarily on meeting the needs of the followers, selflessly (Mayer et al., 2008; Caza &

The construct of authenticity promotes a need for the leader to be in touch with his own identity and emit a sense of morality and honesty (Walumbwa et al., (2008). The resurgence of authentic leadership has been fueled by corporate scandals and changes in how society views leadership (Walumbwa et al., 2008). Much like authentic leadership, servant leadership has that ethical component that causes the followers to view the leader as a “servant” to the followers (Mayer et al., 2008; Van Dierendonck, 2011). According to Van Dierendonck (2011), the servant leader must have a desire to serve, and this has the potential to bring them closer to the followers by inspiring the followers and making them believe that their success and well-being are the top priorities. Owens and Heckman (2011) contend that leadership is a skill used to influence followers to work enthusiastically toward goals to enhance the common good. It is rooted in doing the right thing and setting an example, similar to the framework of the spiritual leadership style as explained by Fernando

Parris and Peachey (2013) also assert that the emphasis of the theory is how the service to others can propel people toward building a better tomorrow. Even though this theory was coined over three decades ago, it is not studied enough, but it is practiced in many organizations and boardrooms (Parris & Peachey, 2013). When compared with spiritual leadership theory, there are notable societal influences, as well as moral, economic, and political influences (Nicolae & Nicolae, 2013). Research has shown that spiritual leadership theory combines the motivational perspectives exhibited in the transformational and charismatic theories, including giving care, showing ethics, and love toward subordinates (Chin & Yang, 2012). It is important for individuals within the company or organization to maintain inner and outer balance; the body, the mind, the spirit and the heart are the anchors that give the balance necessary to reach successful personal and organizational outcomes (Chin & Yang,