Determining an alternative leadership paradigm in a selected volatile environment

Abstract

Most industries are confronted with increasingly volatile environments that consist of rapid change and unpredictable dynamics. These factors require a particular leadership style that is capable of dealing with complexity. The suggested alternative leadership paradigm is based on the ideas of quantum mechanics, complexity theory and relativity theory; thus referred to as Einsteinian-Quantum leadership paradigm. To establish whether such leadership paradigm is emerging in volatile environments, semi-structured interviews and multiple surveys were distributed to managers and leaders in the international airline industry. Based on the results, a Quantum Leadership Matrix (QLM) was established to test for the level of quantum leadership behaviour in the selected industry and assist in identifying gaps between Newtonian-Cartesian and Einsteinian-Quantum characteristics in order to develop sustainable leadership models. The QLM and surveys indicated that managers and leaders still resist in a transition phase where both Newtonian-Cartesian and Einsteinian-Quantum leadership characteristics can be observed simultaneously.