Native American perspectives on leadership in the workplace: An exploratory investigation

Corporations need leaders and since human networks are no longer homogeneous, the leadership expectations of minority groups need to be considered. Vastly misrepresented or under-represented groups in minority research are the First Americans. The cultural perspective of leadership characteristics, behaviors and preferred leaders for American Indians is directly related to historical experiences and a collective understanding of leadership. The leaders chosen by the study participants provided behaviors and values consistent with Kouzes and Posner's transformational leadership attributes, as well as Greenleaf's servant leadership. Yet, the interviews with study participants demonstrate a conflict between Euroamerican leadership and American Indian employees strictly related to trust and a difference in cultural values. Significant work on the part of organizations is necessary to develop a corporate cultural diversity inclusive of minority groups' value and understanding of group life and work.