Leadership style in Swiss evangelical churches in the light of their historically shaped leadership culture

Abstract

This thesis is a socio-historical study which shows the correlation between the historically developed leadership culture of democracy and the leadership practice within the evangelical churches of Switzerland. After clarifying the theological understanding in the mutual relationship of leadership and culture, first the historical development of the Swiss leadership culture is described. This development is rooted in the cultural heritage of the Celts, the Romans and the Alemannen, as well as in the history of the Swiss-Confederation and the history of Christianity. In the light of this historically founded leadership culture, the study deals further with the present leadership situation of the evangelical churches. Central fundamental values of the Swiss-leadership-culture prove to be: No power to the individual, democratic right of co-determination, federalist freedom and the importance of achievement and work. The thesis concludes with an outlook on servant leadership as an up-to-date answer to the present Swiss leadership culture.