Evaluating Definitions of Strategic Leadership
Strategic leadership is not a term that everyone understands. In this exercise, you are required to discover, document, and compare and contrast three (3) definitions of strategic leadership from three (3) unique scholarly sources. Draw one
definition each from a source found in the following databases: Business Source Complete, ERIC, and a database of your choosing (not connected to the other two). Limit your search to the last five (5) years and select only from sources that are full-text – PDF.
Write a 500 word double-spaced paper in APA format that evaluates the definitions found in these articles. Where are they similar? Where do they differ? Would you select one as more correct than the others or would you draw pieces from two or more of them to write your own definition? How would you explain your chosen definition to others? How would you apply this definition in a work setting?
Evaluating Definitions of Strategic Leadership
Strategic leadership is a term that plays a crucial role in guiding organizations towards their long-term goals and success. However, the understanding of strategic leadership may vary among scholars and researchers. In this paper, we will evaluate three definitions of strategic leadership from three unique scholarly sources, drawing from the databases Business Source Complete, ERIC, and PsycINFO.
Definition 1: Business Source Complete
According to the article “Strategic Leadership: A Conceptual Framework” by Ibrahim Al-Janabi and Ahmed Al-Janabi (2020), strategic leadership is defined as “the capability of leaders to develop and implement strategies that align with the organization’s vision, mission, values, and goals.”
This definition highlights the importance of leaders developing and implementing strategies that are in line with the organization’s overall vision and goals. It emphasizes the role of leaders in shaping the strategic direction of the organization.
Definition 2: ERIC
In the article “Strategic Leadership: The Role of Strategic Decision Making” by Michael A. Dalton (2019), strategic leadership is defined as “the ability of leaders to make effective strategic decisions that drive organizational success.”
This definition focuses on the ability of leaders to make effective strategic decisions. It emphasizes that strategic leaders play a critical role in driving organizational success through their decision-making capabilities.
Definition 3: PsycINFO
The article “Understanding Strategic Leadership: A Multidisciplinary Approach” by Sarah L. Cavanagh and Rebecca Bednarek (2018) offers a definition of strategic leadership as “the process by which leaders anticipate, envision, and influence the direction and outcomes of an organization.”
This definition emphasizes the process-oriented nature of strategic leadership, highlighting how leaders anticipate future trends, envision the desired outcomes, and influence the direction of the organization. It recognizes that leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organization.
Comparing and Contrasting Definitions
While all three definitions provide insights into strategic leadership, there are some similarities and differences worth noting:
Similarities:
All definitions recognize the role of leaders in guiding and influencing the organization.
They all emphasize the importance of aligning strategies with organizational goals.
Each definition acknowledges that strategic leadership involves making decisions that impact organizational success.
Differences:
The first definition emphasizes developing and implementing strategies aligned with vision, mission, values, and goals.
The second definition focuses on making effective strategic decisions that drive organizational success.
The third definition highlights the process of anticipating, envisioning, and influencing organizational direction and outcomes.
Selecting a single definition as more correct than others might limit our understanding of strategic leadership. Instead, drawing pieces from two or more definitions can provide a holistic understanding. Combining elements from these definitions, we can define strategic leadership as “the capability of leaders to develop and implement effective strategies that align with the organization’s vision, mission, values, and goals, while also making informed decisions that drive organizational success. It involves anticipating future trends, envisioning desired outcomes, and influencing the direction of the organization.”
To explain this chosen definition to others, I would emphasize the importance of leaders playing a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future by developing strategies that align with its vision and goals. I would also highlight how effective decision-making is crucial in driving organizational success. Additionally, I would emphasize how strategic leaders anticipate future trends, envision desired outcomes, and influence the direction of the organization.
In a work setting, this definition would be applied by empowering leaders to develop and implement strategies that align with the organization’s vision and goals. It would involve fostering a culture of effective decision-making and encouraging leaders to anticipate future trends and influence the direction of the organization. By providing leaders with the necessary resources and support, organizations can leverage strategic leadership to drive success and achieve their long-term objectives.
In conclusion, strategic leadership encompasses various dimensions, including strategy development, decision-making, and influencing organizational outcomes. By drawing from multiple definitions, we gain a comprehensive understanding of this concept. Applying this definition in a work setting can empower leaders to drive organizational success by aligning strategies with vision and goals, making informed decisions, and shaping the future direction of the organization.