A COMPARATIVE STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF NON-WESTERNISED & EASTERN LEADERSHIP MODELS
Authors: Chatterjee Nilanka 
Published: June 2024

The author through this research paper tries to explore some of the non-westernised and Indian models of leadership that emanated from time to time. It focuses on the fact that there are many accomplished business leaders who are yet to discover their own leadership styles and signatures. Despite the learning from so many leadership theories and models from USA, UK and other western countries, several corporate commanders continue to face difficulties in managing the institutions and enterprises. Over the years, our leadership consultants have been trying to study the leadership styles of the industry captains and are engaged in several assignments with these leaders to enhance their organisation’s capabilities and competencies. Increasingly, the author is of the opinion that majority of industry leaders’ efforts are mainly revolving around the western leadership models. More so, as our industry captains are not exposed to the eastern, non -westernised leadership models and continue to practice on because of the way they have evolved their thoughts and beliefs being influenced by western leadership models. It is time for them to leverage upon the eastern leadership models and to lead effectively during their lifetime. If they can seize these opportunities, their influence will continue to grow for the generations to come. Maybe it is the desire of our industry leaders to make a lasting impact on the world that drives so many of us to want to lead. To our business leaders the dissentions are often marked through various modes of agitations be it strikes, lockouts, and labour agitations and many a times it is declared as a sick industry, appealing to BIFR. The author who has been a senior HR practitioner, in multinational companies and currently a faculty member in a university, is of the conviction that our business leaders need to relook into their respective leadership styles from time to time rather than blaming their own team members stating that they are laggards, irresponsible and disobedient. The author is of the opinion that understanding and revisiting the eastern leadership theories, models and the changing contemporary trends will help our business leaders to come out with an approach and right kind of leadership style to create harmony and industrial peace. Through this research paper the author has tried to establish relevance of comprehending the eastern leadership theories and models recognising the influence of organisational climate and cultural moorings. Besides, the author has tried to articulate and recognise the varied and diverse thoughts and thinkers on non-westernised and eastern business leadership models. This research article articulates the evidences where the eastern and non-westernised leadership concepts and models really works and has been shaping the world for hundreds of years. Based on literature review and the contemporary work done, the most critical need today in business leadership is a new kind of leader: authentic leader- and thus revisiting the key tenets of eastern leadership theories can provide a framework in scrutinising the leadership qualities and capabilities. The various exercises involved in exploring and revisiting the leadership strategies as has been enumerated in different eastern leadership theories and models are outlined in this paper that can be used in developing and inculcating a new culture for leader development and leadership readiness. Revisiting the eastern / non westernised models can pave a new pathway towards the understanding of leadership practices and is reflected as a measure to think through and investigating the existing leadership pipeline in an enterprise revolving around the scope of this work. The research paper can facilitate the budding Managers and the emerging leaders of the enterprises achieve the mission critical goals to sustain and succeed in uncertain business environment leveraging through the ancient roots to global routes – unleashing the unlimited potential. This is an original piece of work and the solutions mentioned can be of great value not only for the scholars but also for the Organisational behavioural scientists , practicing HR professionals and Organisational Development experts more in terms of identifying, nurturing and developing vibrant business leaders and thinkers who will shape the organisations of tomorrow