The implicit leader prototype in the Lebanese context -

Abstract

Even though extensive exploration on implicit leader prototype and its categorization has received increased consideration in the western management literature over the years, however minimal study has focused on its relevancy in the Lebanese context particularly. This research studied transformational, authentic, and servant leadership as perceived by the Lebanese society with respect to its relation with attributes, gender, ethics, religion and cultural context. In-depth interviews with professionals (N=12) working in Lebanese based-companies, non-governmental organizations, and universities were conducted. The findings in this qualitative study propose that the Lebanese people’s implicit viewpoint of a good leader is harmonious with the transformational, authentic, and servant leadership magnitudes recognized in leadership research based in the West. The personality traits, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of a similar leader, in different work settings and across genders, were all approximately associated to the designated attributes of transformational, authentic and servant leaders identified in Western contexts. Moreover, the Lebanese sample also encompassed the degree to which women can make effective leaders given that cultural principles and traditions prevented women’s attempts in achieving and reaching higher leadership roles in this part of the world, in spite of acquiring similar characteristics and strong abilities of their male counterparts. Finally, this study adds value to better comprehend the relevance of implicit leader prototype across different frameworks and cultures.