Unit 4 Theoretical Perspective on Leadership: Authentic Leadership

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Overview

Authentic leadership theory is an emerging leadership, focused on the authenticity of the leader, emphasizing purpose, values, relationships, self-discipline, and heart (George, 2003) and incorporating aspects of positive psychology, such as “confidence, hope, optimism, and resilience (Northouse, 2019, p. 205).

Brown (2019) argues that authentic human connection is an essential aspect of our shared humanity – and a foundational underpinning of effective leadership. “In the absence of authentic connection, we suffer. And by authentic I mean the kind of connection that doesn’t require hustling for acceptance and changing who we are to fit in” (Brown, 2019, p. 25).

In this unit’s Learning Activities, you will explore the key principles of authentic leadership, consider the strengths and challenges of this theory, and compare authentic leadership values to Christian virtues.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Examine key principles of Authentic Leadership.
  • Analyze potential strengths and challenges of Authentic Leadership theory.
  • Compare Authentic Leadership values with Christian virtues.
  • Identify effective Authentic Leadership strategies.

Course Topics

In this unit, we will explore the following topics:

  1. Principles of Authentic Leadership
  2. Strengths and Challenges of Authentic Leadership

Unit Resources

Online resources will be provided in the unit.

4.1 Principles of Authentic Leadership

Authentic leadership theory is focused on personal authenticity, authentic relationships between leader and follower, and achievement for a higher good. Authentic leaders “try to do the ‘right’ thing, to be honest with themselves and others, and to work for the common good” (Northouse, 2019, p. 210).

Because authentic leadership is a newer leadership theory, researchers are still developing a cohesive theory. Currently, discussion of authentic leadership reflects different perspectives. As this theory continues to be the object of research in coming decades, a more refined theory may emerge. In the meantime, Northouse (2019) summarizes the variations in perspectives”.

The intrapersonal perspective focuses on the authenticity of the leader in terms of “self-knowledge, self-regulation, and self concept” (Northouse, 2019, p. 198).

The interpersonal perspective focuses on the authenticity of the relationship between the leader and follower (Northouse, 2019).

The developmental perspective focuses on the authentic development of the leader and asserts that authenticity can be developed in a leader (Northouse, 2019).

4.2 Strengths and Challenges of Authentic Leadership

Authentic leadership has, perhaps, begun to address some of the mistrust in leaders (both private and political). Brown (2018) argues that “we desperately need more leaders who are committed to courageous, wholehearted leadership and who are self-aware enough to lead from their hearts, rather than unevolved leadership who lead from hurt and fear” (p. 4). This approach to leadership, with its focus on individual authenticity and authentic relationships can, to some extent, create followers with the reassurance they need.

One of the current challenges related to authentic leadership is the lack of research focused on this theoretical perspective, according to Northouse (2019). Because it is a newer theory, researchers have only begun to analyze the application of this theory. Some of the most recent research findings indicate that authentic leadership may be less effective than other leadership approaches with the millennial generation (Northouse, 2019).

Formative Learning Activities (ungraded)

Learning Activity 4.1

  • Read: Northouse (2019) Chapter 9 Authentic Leadership
  • Read: Rowe & Guerrero (2019) Chapter 9 Authentic Leadership
  • Read: Avolio & Gardner (2005).
  • Read: Brown (2018) Part Three: The Armory

Learning Activity 4.2

Take the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire (ALQ) found in Chapter 9 of Northouse (2019). After completing the assessment, in your Reflective Journal, prepare a 150 word synthesis commenting on the overall results of the surveys. What were your results, In what ways to they align with your self-conception or not? As you reflected on these surveys, what did you learn about yourself? Did anything challenge you with respect ot the results?

Assignments

Assignment: Case Study (Authentic Leadership)

There are 2 options for Assignment 2 (due at the end of Unit 5):

  1. Case Study in Leadership or
  2. Critical Analysis of Leadership Theory

Both options ask you to write a 5-7 page paper focusing on one of the three leadership theories discussed in Units 2, 3, and 4 (servant, transformational, or authentic).

Below, you will find instructions for the Case Study in Leadership assignment with a focus on Authentic Leadership. See Unit 2 for Servant Leadership or Unit 3 for Transformational Leadership.

Select one of the Case Studies on Authentic Leadership in Rowe and Guerrero (2019). After reviewing the case, write a 5-7 page paper (plus Title Page and Reference List). The paper should be formatted in APA style and should incorporate references to Rowe and Guerrero (2019), Northouse (2019) and two other sources. The paper should includes the following:

  1. Title Page
  2. Describe the issue.
  3. Discuss the context of the problem.
  4. Identify the key factors that contribute to the problem.
  5. Analyze the options or paths available to the decision-maker.
  6. Make a recommendation for how the leader should move forward. Incorporate a rationale for your recommendation, including references to both the Northouse (2019) and Rowe & Guerrero (2019) text. Be sure to incorporate your knowledge of this leadership theory, strategies, and values.
  7. Reference List

Assessment of Learning

RUBRIC: Case Study in Leadership (10%)

Click here for the assignment rubric.