Exploring leadership wisdom : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in Management at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Abstract

The purpose of this research has been to taken an introductory investigation into the concept of leadership wisdom. This has been done by interviewing ten members from diverse departments in a large organisation and asking each one to discuss their experiences working with wise leaders. The analysis of the resulting interviews has provided a picture of how leadership wisdom is realised in the leader-follower relationship. It also implies that leadership wisdom can be found in the relationship between a leader who is both capable and willing, the level of openness of the participant to engage, and an environment conducive to encouraging such relationship. Given these three factors, the wise-leader follower relationship is one characterised by trust, emotional intelligence, effective communication and personal development.