The integral leadership of Dr. Jane Goodall: An interpretive biographical case study of her life

The purpose of this research was to provide a multi-dimensional perspective of leadership that adds another facet to existing leadership literature. Data were collected using the methods of life history research, interpretive biography, and institutional analysis to examine the life and leadership of ethologist and primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall. This case study approach analyzed Goodall's life using Ken Wilber's four-quadrant framework in the areas of individual consciousness and behavior, and collective social systems and culture. Findings suggest that Goodall has a spiritual essence about the way she approaches her life and life's work. She is motivated by a higher purpose to be a messenger of hope and peace. There is mindfulness to her use of power that leads to compassionate action. She goes about her work with a quiet confidence knowing that all she does has a purpose that is greater than herself. Finally, she is relationship oriented in her approach to change by involving as many people as possible in the process. This study also traced Goodall's developmental life path into post-post conventional maturity by examining transformational experiences marked by intentions, crucibles, epiphanies, and disorienting dilemmas. This analysis revealed that Goodall's development took place in four stages that began with the enrichment of family and mentors. Her years as a young adult are characterized by preparedness where learning about chimpanzees was the focus of her life and the impact of environmental issues on the plant became of greater concern. As her career blossomed she transitioned to a stage of committed action where her work turned to chimpanzee and environmental conservation. This was also a time when her life purpose began to become clear to her. The act of sharing her knowledge and wisdom becomes the focus of the fourth stage where she embraced her life purpose to be a messenger of hope and peace.;KEYWORDS: Jane Goodall, leadership, integral leadership, integral theory, nonprofit leadership, human development, interpretive biography, transcendence, common good, life purpose, environmental conservation, social ecology, animal ethics...