Servant Leadership in Diverse Contexts with Regard to Religions and Cultures

Servant Leadership in Diverse Contexts
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Servant Leadership in Diverse Contexts
The second half of the twentieth century was characterized by various transformations in the way leaders managed organizations. Different leadership styles were introduced during this era, with servant leadership being chief among them. Coined by Robert Greenleaf in 1970, servant leadership is a leadership model where a leader is dedicated to serving others (Sachdeva & Prakash, 2017). It is now popular worldwide and complies with ethical principles through higher values and ideals. This approach represents a paradigm change in how followers perceive leaders and their role in an organization. Servant leadership is compatible with many world religions and cultures. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss instances where this model is apparent by reviewing the Indian cultural context and Islamic religion to understand how it manifests in contemporary society.
Principles of Servant Leadership evident in Islamic Religion and Indian Culture
Islam Religion
One of the primary principles of servant leadership is selflessness, which manifests in the Islamic religion. Islamic religion urges people to be selfless by helping the needy and sharing food. It instills selfless dealings in serving others. Prophet Muhammad’s taught the Muslim faithful to offer food and greetings of peace to the people known and those not known to them (Gonaim, 2016). The Quran also advises people to put the interest of others first. The teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the Quran demonstrate that Islamic religion calls for selflessness or service to others.
Another important principle of servant leadership is emotional healing. This leadership style emphasizes that leaders should show concern for the emotional well-being of others. Quran’s teachings and Prophet Muhammad’s lifestyle are the guidelines for the people. Quran states that Allah shall heal the believers’ breasts (Jabarkhail, 2020). Equally, regarding the Prophet Muhammad’s lifestyle, the Quran says, "O mankind! There hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts, and for those who believe guidance and Mercy" (Surah-Yunus 10:57). This guides Muslims to emotional healing and heart healing. Besides, God’s name in Islam is Al-Shafi, meaning the healer (Gonaim, 2016). This shows a significant connection between Islamic teachings and servant leadership.
Indian Culture
Indian culture also has evident principles of servant leadership. Altruism, evident through voluntary subordination, is one of the apparent principles in this culture (Mishra, 2019). It is the act of abandoning oneself for others' service and well-being. Mahatma Gandhi’s life has influenced this principle in Indian culture. In his era, Gandhi symbolized the people he was serving, unlike other leaders who would take advantage of the power to serve their interests (Mishra, 2019). Leaders preferred in Indian culture are those who demonstrate service to the people. Gandhi was an Indian leader who believed in servant leadership because...