Open AccessOptimistic Leadership for the 21st Century and Beyond
Author(s) -
Vincent P Techo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the journal of values based leadership/the journal of values-based leadership
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2153-019X
pISSN - 1948-0733
DOI - 10.22543/0733.142.1360
Subject(s) - servant leadership , transformational leadership , transactional leadership , shared leadership , neuroleadership , leadership , leadership studies , leadership style , leadership theory , cross cultural leadership , global leadership , situational leadership theory , public relations , political science , sociology , management , economics
This paper proposes a future-driven leadership theory — the optimistic leadership theory — suitable for leading global organizations in the 21st century and beyond. The author argues that a new leadership approach is needed for these organizations due to the complexities that come with globalization, including the high need for knowledge and experience, distance decay, and cultural amalgamation. Five leadership approaches (Visionary Leadership, Differentiated Leadership, Servant Leadership, Flexible Leadership, and Reflective Leadership) are identified as the components of optimistic leadership. Following a review of the rare literature on these five leadership approaches, they are found to constitute the best determinants of successful future-driven leadership. There is an overlap of some approaches and some are within other leadership theories such as transformational leadership. A model of optimistic leadership is suggested, and a test based on the variables is proposed.