Considering the Issue of Purpose in Leadership: A Review of Literature

Abstract

This article reviews and integrates the findings of academic leadership studies to guide leaders as they deal with practical implications of “purpose” in leadership at the workplace. This paper offers a theoretical analysis of trait, situational, and value-based leadership theory and presents a philosophically informed theoretical examination of purpose in leadership. Although there is great enthusiasm around the topic of purposeful leadership, much of the knowledge is based on qualitative studies rather than empirical evidence. We hope this article could usefully inform leadership by bringing academic knowledge to the fore to support the enterprise leadership environment. To date, limited empirical research on the role and importance of “purpose” in leadership is available. Our study fills this gap and is unique in that it analyses existing literature and proffers guidance irrespective of the leadership style of those towards whom it is directed. Keywords: Leadership, individual, mission, organisation, purpose, values, vision.