The dialectics of leadership identity construction: Case studies from Indigenous women leaders

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

4-2023

Abstract

Challenging oversimplified models, the leader identity literature calls for new perspectives of leadership identity construction (LIC). Using a collective leadership lens and narrative methods, this collaborative study explores how Indigenous women’s leadership identities develop within a contest for power and voice. Observations, interviews, and micro-ethnographies helped identify how history, community dynamics and cultural contradictions influence LIC. We find the LIC process to unfold as a dialectical spiral, informed by contradictions experienced when enacting social identities in various spheres of influence. This highlights the intersectionality of salient identities when theorizing LIC, and suggests that minoritized leaders can resignify and ultimately, capitalize on their multiple identities to strengthen their leadership.

Keywords

Leadership identity construction, Indigenous leadership, collective leadership, intersectionality, Indigenous women leaders, nonprototypical leaders

Discipline

Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Leadership Studies

Research Areas

Political Science

Publication

Leadership

First Page

1

Last Page

25

ISSN

1742-7150

Identifier

10.1177/17427150231169554

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1177/17427150231169554

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