Document Type
Paper
Abstract
This paper presents a theoretical approach to leadership called narrative leadership. It is understood that persuasion requires both intuitive and rational information for it to be successful. Psychologists have recognized numerous theories regarding persuasion and leadership is primarily identified as being able to execute these ideas in such a way to motivate people to change. Narrative is a means for addressing all these psychological needs and motivating people for change. This paper proposes narrative can be a mode of leading which impacts the numerous psychological mechanisms necessary for facilitating change and maintaining organizational loyalty. The paper provides general principles to develop narrative as a mode of leading after reviewing both leadership and psychological literature.
Key Words: leadership, meaning, purpose, self, narrative, story, influence, change
Recommended Citation
Hankle, Dominick D. (2019). Narrative Leadership – A Proposed Theory. Paper presented at the Leading Change Inaugural Conference: Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Leadership Studies, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA. https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/leadcc/2019/1002/1/
Narrative Leadership – A Proposed Theory
This paper presents a theoretical approach to leadership called narrative leadership. It is understood that persuasion requires both intuitive and rational information for it to be successful. Psychologists have recognized numerous theories regarding persuasion and leadership is primarily identified as being able to execute these ideas in such a way to motivate people to change. Narrative is a means for addressing all these psychological needs and motivating people for change. This paper proposes narrative can be a mode of leading which impacts the numerous psychological mechanisms necessary for facilitating change and maintaining organizational loyalty. The paper provides general principles to develop narrative as a mode of leading after reviewing both leadership and psychological literature.
Key Words: leadership, meaning, purpose, self, narrative, story, influence, change
