Leadership: From Authenticity to Ownership

Leadership is a globally significant topic, sparking a profound and enduring interest in understandingits complexities. In the dawn of the new millennium, the concept of authentic leadership has emerged,emphasizing the genuineness and sincerity of leadership practices (Northouse, 2021, p. 205). This construct ofauthentic leadership is characterized by four key dimensions: (a) self-awareness, where leaders recognize theirstrengths, weaknesses, and motivations; (b) balanced processing, involving the thorough analysis of relevantinformation before decision-making; (c) an internalized moral perspective, where leaders’ decisions are guidedby core values and stringent ethical standards; and (d) relational transparency, which involves leaders beingcandid and genuine in their interactions (Walumbwa, Avolio, Gardner, Wernsing, & Peterson, 2008, p. 94).Moreover, leadership transcends mere authenticity; it encompasses a process of ownership where leadersstrive to excel and inspire excellence in those around them by fostering three levels of ownership. This articleoffers an insight into various leadership frameworks, delineates the essence of authentic leadership, andelucidates the three levels of ownership that can amplify a leader’s influence.