A qualitative analysis of the thematic patterns and lines of development of the most significant organisational leadership models

Abstract

Based on a gap identified in existing literature, the aim of the study was to qualitatively examine the thematic patterns and lines of development of leadership models. The research was conducted from within a postmodern, social constructivist epistemological point of view; and was more specifically guided by the narrative theoretical framework. The sample of leadership models were therefore considered as leadership narratives. These leadership narratives were subjected to a qualitative analysis aimed at identifying relevant themes and patterns of development, which were subsequently mapped into a story network analysis and visually represented in the form of a sociogram network display. The major findings of the present research included that; themes that were identified by means of a qualitative analysis, contributed to a possible description of the characteristics of leadership. Core leadership narratives could also be identified and was subjected to further research, which uncovered that the developmental patterns and lines of these core narratives resembled the movement of a pendulum. Such a pendulum seems to have predictive value for organisations, as it might contribute to the understanding of the influences of internal and external factors within these organisations. The research also contributed by exploring the possible impacts that social changes had on the developmental lines and patterns of leadership narratives. This imbedded the study firmly into its proposed sociological context.