Authentic leadership journey: an empirical discussion from Pakistani higher education employing the lay theory of psychology

PurposeFrom a lay theory standpoint, the authentic leadership journey has not been perceived together. This research aims to examine how both theories might be combined to reveal an authentic leadership journey in the eyes of laypeople when they perceive commitment and performance in an organization.Design/methodology/approachUsing simple random sampling, this research used a self-administered questionnaire prepared and distributed to higher education professionals in Islamabad. SPSS was used to compute the data, and PLS Smart was used to determine the path analysis.FindingsThe need for authenticity among humans is not a phantom, but the perspective is more toward better performance. In Pakistan, the general public and the educational establishment may benefit from greater self-awareness.Originality/valueThis study sheds light on a new phenomenon that can help us better comprehend what it means to be an authentic leader.