The Future of Leadership

This chapter critically explores the imperative to decolonise leadership theory and development by challenging the dominance of Western-centric paradigms that have shaped global understandings of leadership for over a century. It presents a compelling argument for the inclusion, recognition and elevation of African, Asian and Indigenous leadership models that are rooted in values such as collectivism, sustainability, relationality and cultural humility. Through a detailed historical analysis of Western leadership frameworks and their colonial underpinnings, the chapter traces the evolution of dominant models from Taylorism to transformational leadership and highlights how these constructs reflect Euro-American socio-political ideologies of individualism, hierarchy and control. In contrast, the chapter brings to the forefront community-centred and culturally grounded approaches like Ubuntu, Indigenous stewardship practices, feminist leadership and decolonial frameworks that emphasise healing, mutual care and social justice. It further offers practical strategies for integrating these alternative epistemologies into leadership development programmes, particularly within business schools and corporate training contexts. Case studies from Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Nigeria illustrate how culturally responsive leadership models are already being practised and embedded in various institutions. Ultimately, this chapter calls for an epistemic shift towards inclusive, pluralistic leadership development that not only acknowledges diverse ways of knowing and leading but also equips future leaders to address systemic inequities and global challenges. It envisions a future where decolonised leadership is not peripheral but central to how we understand, teach, and practise leadership worldwide.