A Global Perspective of Transformational Leadership and

Journal of Research Initiatives Journal of Research Initiatives

Volume 2 Issue 3 Article 5

3-7-2017

A Global Perspective of Transformational Leadership and A Global Perspective of Transformational Leadership and

Organizational Development Organizational Development

Emetrude Lewis

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Deborah Boston

Saundra Peterson

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Recommended Citation Recommended Citation

Lewis, Emetrude; Boston, Deborah; and Peterson, Saundra (2017) "A Global Perspective of

Transformational Leadership and Organizational Development,"

Journal of Research Initiatives

: Vol. 2 :

Iss. 3 , Article 5.

Available at: https://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/jri/vol2/iss3/5

This Conceptual Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journal of Research Initiatives at

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A Global Perspective of Transformational Leadership and Organizational A Global Perspective of Transformational Leadership and Organizational

Development Development

About the Author(s)

Dr. Emetude Lewis earned her doctorate in Leadership Studies at NC A & T State university.

Dr. Deborah Boston earned her doctorate in Leadership Studies at NC A & T State university.

Saundra Peterson is a Ph.D. candidate in the Leadership Studies program at NC A & T State university.

Keywords Keywords

globalization, global transformational leadership, culture, economics, translational, supranationality

This conceptual article is available in Journal of Research Initiatives: https://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/jri/vol2/

iss3/5

Journal of Research Initiatives (2017) 2(3)

Available online at: http://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/jri/

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Emetude Lewis, North Carolina A & T State University

Deborah Boston, North Carolina A & T State University

Saundra Peterson, North Carolina A & T State University

Abstract

Grounded in transformational leadership theory (Northouse 2010) this paper presents an

analytical perspective of global transformational leadership and its role based upon ideological

issues in cultural relevance, ethics and social responsibility. Interests in global transformational

leadership is increasing due to interdependence of cultural, global, economic, and political issues

that require the collaboration and networking efforts of leaders. The researchers examined these

issues and ideologies using a metacognitive lens to further the research on global

transformational and organizational leadership programs of study in higher education.

Introduction

The discourse on the topic of global transformational leadership is gaining interest and

great momentum in the field of leadership development and leadership studies. Due to the

interconnectedness of our global societies through environmental health, environmental policies,

politics and economics, the need for leaders capable of leading change within organizations

capable of creating networks of global impact is a research-intensive concern. Transformational

leadership is known well in leadership programs of study, however global transformational

leadership is yet emerging, evolving and becoming more defined. Transformational leadership

involves the engagement of others creating connections raising motivation and morality levels of

leaders and followers (Northouse, 2013). As the interconnectedness of global trade, foreign

policy, common global concerns based on terrorism, and environmental welfare continue, more

global leadership will be essential to ensure the appropriate uses of resources including human

capital that ensure safe and healthy global societies. This paper attempts to combine the tenets of

transformational leadership and globalization offering the potential impact of global

transformational leadership.

Global Transformational Leadership

The leadership characteristics and related issues presented by Ellwood (2010), Etzioni

(2014) and Hofstede (2010) offer relative arguments for global transformational leadership. In

considering global transformational leadership, it is essential to examine some of the main

ideologies. Global transformational leadership could potentially be a model for management and

operations locally, nationally, and globally for implementation on all levels of government,

throughout various organizations, institutions and businesses. Of significance are the ideologies

that drive the global economy, global leadership and the conceptual framework for how these

entities impact businesses, institutions and organizations and cultures (DeVoss, Jasken, &

GLOBAL TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP Journal of Research Initiatives 2

Hayden, 2002). The dynamics of cultural relevancy, ethics and social responsibilities that shape

policies are among the ideologies examined in this paper. To better understand the dynamics of

ideologies a metacognitive approach is useful. Metacognition is a cognitive practice that should

be encouraged by global leaders. Metacognition can be used to control the cognitive practice.

This practice can empower and compel the development of meta-reflective strategies to reflect

and implement greater problem solving skills needed for global transformational leadership

(Williamson, 2014).

America and other western countries need to balance cultural ideologies. Cultural

relevancy, ethics and social responsibilities are among ideologies and practices that have a major

impact on globalization. Hickman (2010) posits that little attention has been given to the role of

culture in determining appropriate and effective leadership strategies useful in preventing

conflict between groups. Nonetheless, it is advisable that organizations consider cultural

differences due to the increase of globalization in the business sector. (Morrison, 2001) suggests

that global leaders have the ultimate responsibility of defining many aspects of ethical behavior

for themselves and the broader organization. For global leaders, integrity is demonstrated at two

levels: interactions that are external to the company and interactions that are internal to it.

External interactions include those activities through which organizations are represented

to the outside world. Internal interactions are those that involve individuals or groups within an

organization (Morrison, 2001). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) offers insurance against

management lapses. The practical need for CSR as brand insurance comes from changing social

expectations, affluence, and globalization (Werther & Chandler, 2005). CSR is regarded as

voluntary corporate commitment to exceed the explicit and implicit obligations imposed on a

company by society's expectations of conventional corporate behavior. Hence, CSR is a way of

promoting social trends in order to enhance society's basic order, which is defined as consisting

of obligations that cover both the legal framework and social conventions (Flack & Heblich,

2007).

Impact of Globalization

Globalization, a word which describing an old process is the interrelatedness of people

and businesses throughout the world that ultimately infuses into global cultural, political and

economic realms (Ellwood, 2010). Thus, the importance of globalization is having the ability to

interchange and interconnect effortlessly with others world-wide in order to conduct business

and control guidelines and policies with economic, financial, political and socio-cultural

implications.

Globalization may be causing greater poverty and inequality worldwide due to the loss of

control at national and international levels (Etzioni, 2004). In order to be an effective change

agent, transformational leaders must be aware of this aspect of globalization. Poverty and

inequality of globalization causes worldwide problems. The impact of global business and

industry critically affects the plight of non-western populations as a whole. This plight is

endemic poverty and imbalance in education, healthcare, wealth and living conditions, (Etzioni

2014 and Hickman 2010) that result in enormous profits of global business and industries.

Nonetheless, globalization offers great opportunities for advancements in cultural competence,

leveraging resources and enhancing social capital and global economy. This results in great

implication for leadership, organizational development (Etzioni 2014 and Hickman 2010).

The development of globalization continues to perpetuate encounters between what is

held sacred between cultures (Kessler, 2010). In Ellwood’s 2010, No-nonsense Guide to

Globalization, the significant history of economic globalization is revealed. The most pivotal

GLOBAL TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP Journal of Research Initiatives 3

political, economic and cultural debates today rest on the commonly used but seldom defined

concept of globalization (Ellwood, 2010). Globalization for some nations is a modern version of

the concept of colonization. Globalization is the current term which describes an old process

accelerated by computer technology and dismantling of barriers which in turn has expanded the

political and economic power of transnational corporations (Ellwood, 2010). Thus, globalization

is an old process rooted in colonialism. Based on the complexities of today’s economic

interconnectivity, more research is needed to examine global leadership and the massive impact

that globalization has on the lives of people worldwide.

What Does Global Leadership Look Like?

It is imperative that transformational leaders have a global worldview. Leadership is

exceptionally significant for organizational success in this globalized economy (Ellwood, 2010).

As Thomas Friedman stated in 2006, the world is becoming flatter, the expansion of the modern

world sets the need for many kinds of leaders (Friedman, 2006). This new world requires leaders

who are not only equipped with the traditional skills but also cross-cultural skills to navigate the

murky waters of globalization. However, global leadership has no clear-cut definition.

Currently, the United States is involved in a U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (U.S. Global

Leadership Coalition, 2014). Former Senator Kay Hagan is active in the world network of at

least 400 businesses and NGO member organization with leaders from various businesses, faith

based and other sectors seeking resources to elevate diplomacy and defense for safety throughout

the world (U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, 2014).

In Ellwood’s 2010, No-nonsense Guide to Globalization, the impact of the United States

market crash in 1929 and the war of 1939 on world trade and the global economy are compared

to the most recent U.S. recession. This caused a negative impact on the world economy due to

global trade, imports/exports and diplomatic foreign affairs. The U.S. economic downturn

required global leadership capable of making decisions and policies that resulting in jobs, better

healthcare, education and systems that provide for a better quality of life. There is an intimate

relationship between a conceptual framework of power, western influence and worldview in

relationship to global leadership. Global transformational leadership must have the conceptual

framework of world systems of policies that impact and support the exchange of resources within

constituencies and business entities.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was created for economic stability and world

trade; however, since its creation economic policies have created imbalances in wealth and

poverty and debt inequity (Etzioni, 2014). Such an imbalanced system is highly unlikely to

create better living conditions for people due to the high level indebtedness of industrialized

nations. Globalization in this context has been operating among the major economic power

brokers and has not yielded the best results from a social and human capital perspective.

According to Etzioni’s 2004, Emerging Global Normative Synthesis, globalization should

have the idealistic intent to equalize the world’s resources to democratize systems in order to

create better societies. Ellwood’s 2010, No-nonsense Guide to Globalization, explores the roots

of globalization being grounded in colonialism. The western individualistic, highly competitive

nature of pursuit of self-interest is an anchor of western ideology and actions. Globalization has

largely been a world system focusing on western colonial ideology of free markets, capitalism

and wealth creation. This western ideological focus benefits western nations while perpetuating

the poorest living conditions and high indebtedness for developing and third world countries.

This global imbalance of economic, trade and global systems of policies and guidelines is central

to imbalances in world-wide societies. Wars and major economic crashes such as the 2007 U.S.

GLOBAL TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP Journal of Research Initiatives 4

economic downturn, the World Bank and marketing downfall has a domino effect of failed

economic crises globally.

Regulations and guidelines from the World Bank and the International Marketing and

Purchasing Group (IMP) which originated in the United States near the turn of the 20

century

had a huge influence on the global economy policies exasperating the debt levels and poverty of

non-western nations. In Ellwood’s 2010 Globalization, the IMF policies that assign quotas to

countries relative to their wealth position in the world’s economy shows how the western control

over global monetary policies, trade and economic affect globally. These policies affect the

economic and political enterprise system for the major, mostly western powers of the world. In

essence, the power and influence is prevalent world-wide and controlling the world. World trade,

the political and economic systems of globalization can be powerful forces that dictate access to

resources, and national wealth. Thus, globalization is a powerful process in which world-wide

inequalities, devastation and poor living conditions are created.

The role of the IMF (International Monetary Fund); the World Bank; GATT (trade and

tariff regulations); and WTO (World Trade Organization) control the policies and guidelines that

rule economic, trade and financial globally (Ellwood, 2010). Even though there have been gains

in India, China and Asia, globalization continues to be a powerful influence that produces

extreme poverty for over half the world’s population (Robinson, 2010). In the chapter, Corporate

Century, an account of the emerging global economy is unmasked (Ellwood, 2010). The

combined sales of the top 200 corporations is 18 times more than the total annual income of 1.2

billion people living in abject poverty worldwide which is 24% of the world population

(Hofstede, 2010).

In Ellwood’s 2010, No-nonsense to Globalization, the impact of transnational

globalization power that influences social, environmental and economic consequences transcends

cultural and local socio-cultural factors. Local cultures are marginalized and devalued through

the westernized corporate push of globalization. Family and community values are disintegrated

and the socio-cultural relationships of traditional cultures are replaced by the westernized

cultural economic dominance of nation’s world-wide (Ellwood, 2010). Issues related to cultural

influences and impact of national/ regional /ethnic/and linguistic affiliation; social class and the

effects of transnational globalization on culture and nations (Hofstede, 2010) are essential in a

study of globalization.

From a conceptual point, culture encompasses belief systems imparted to all from

birth (Cabrera, 2012). Thus, the behavior of people, is the smallest part of culture Therefore,

Culture is the values, beliefs, ideologies and philosophy by which we formulate our worldview

and perspective on people and life which determine most behavior (Bueno, 2012). The

acceptance and awareness of culture and belief systems on a global level will assist in

developing an overall awareness of the influences and power structures both western and non-

western beliefs that shape the world (Bueno, 2012). The video on Celebrating Cultures provides

a message of acceptance and a worldview that is unique to everyone’s culture (Cabrera, 2012).

In reviewing existing literature, leadership as well as digital media on globalization, leadership,

and the impact of change, it is possible to formulate a frame of the effect of globalization on the

entire nation (Black welder 2012). One source of salient information concerning world issues,

globalization and the impact of western influence on the rest of the world can be found in the

video clip on challenges the world faces globally (Taylor, 2010).

In a study conducted by Ellwood (2010) and Etzioni (2004), a redesign in the policies and

guidelines for world economic, political and social considerations for mankind are examined.

GLOBAL TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP Journal of Research Initiatives 5

The premise of a re-designed global leadership framework conceptualizes international

influences on migration, climate change and its effects on democracy from a critical perspective

on globalization. A global transformational leader must be a critical thinker that can influence

society to reflect and embody cultural sensitivity, and be a model of high moral and ethical

adaptability as a leader.

Global transformational leadership involves team work and a learning environment that

adopts and embraces change. According to Taylor (2010) a competitive, highly technological

interconnected world is important to make decisions for the greater good of all mankind. The old

models of education, socio-cultural, political, economic and business models reflect western

ideologies, hegemonic beliefs and values. These models are not reflective of the complex

transformational leadership needed for a rapidly changing technology driven, and the highly

competitive global world of the 21

century. In modern times, global economic power has

shifted to Asia, Africa and other areas of the globe. This shift reflects a mix of all races that are

competing with the western nations for economic, social, and political dominance (Capshaw,

2013). From a global transformational leadership perspective, the 21

century needs leaders that

foster humanistic, globally awareness to influence change in the societal paradigm. Global

transformational leadership must advocate and produce socio-cultural justice, human rights,

economic, political, business, and international cultures that work together globally (Robinson,

2010).

Considering a Supranationality Approach

Etzioni (2004) suggests a different approach to the national government process of

dealing with and managing world societal issues that are far different from the broken and

ineffective “Old System” of transnational communitarian bodies. Etzioni further suggests a

global authority approach with supranational political bodies, decision making authority,

political loyalty as well as state member’s national attributes. In this system, decision-making

would be a responsibility of a transnational governing body following its own values, rules, and

policies instead of being led by national authority and government. These bodies would be

representatives of citizens, corporations, member units, labor unions all of whom follow rulings

of the supranationalities who possess some authority to enforce their own rulings. Membership

among the supranationalities would naturally entail some surrender of authority by member

nations.

As a communitarian, Etzioni advocates for a “global civil society” in his discourse

concerning supranationalities as a manner of grounding good societies, balancing liberty, social

order and the role of shared norms in the process of international relations. According to Etzioni

(2004), global civil societies can exist by means of super-nationalities asserting community

building through shared norms and engaging in moral dialogue.

Implications

A metacognitive understanding of global leadership is important in understanding the

impact of globalization on social capital. This order of thinking will generate great leadership

significance in terms of policy and political resource management, development and bureaucratic

economic systems globally. It is reasonable to consider that global transformational leadership

model offers a shared governance perspective of conducting affairs, producing desirable results

based upon conceptual framework characteristic of good and effective leadership inclusive of

specific leadership characteristics.

Based upon the literature referenced in this study, the researchers recommend the

development of a prototype model based upon Etzioni’s (2004) in which local body

GLOBAL TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP Journal of Research Initiatives 6

representatives form a collaborative partnership with global leadership to solve local problems.

Etzioni’s (2004) theory of supranationality is based upon Geddes eighteenth century motto,

“think globally, act locally.” It must be emphasized that global leadership requires practices that

result in problem solving, development of new knowledge, systems, and alternative methods of

utilizing human and social capital.

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