African business leadership: Perspectives from aspiring young leaders

Orientation: Although a lot is written about leadership in Africa, little empirical research has been conducted and published prominent academic journals, which comprehensively specifically define the concept of African business leadership.Research purpose: The goal study was to comprehensively, tapping into views young leaders making contribution discourse literature on Africa.Motivation for study: Whilst practices are deemed be universal by some, others argue that matter geographically specific. latter view supported those interested decolonisation Africanisation. politically inspired philosophically embedded definitions readily available, stemming from processes seem absent.Research approach, design method: This focuses sub-Saharan region, accounts greater part continent. A total 121 adult students, representing 14 countries, participated this study. participants were Young Leaders Initiative, development programme facilitated University South Africa. cross sectional survey used, as open-ended questions posed leaders. Summative content analysis (Cohort 1) uses identify elements central leadership, directed then framed based inter-relational plots, include all these identified themes.Method: cross-sectional used 2) applied verify themes. definition themes.Main findings: Eight typical and, following an incorporating participants’ inputs crafted. seen unique continent (Afrocentric), act service community (Ubuntu), operating challenging resource-deprived environments (because legacy colonialism) providing hope creating better future. further being dominated positions (political) authority, who engage entrepreneurial activities, yet still requiring because many corrupt (brokenness), seems legitimised post-colonial sentiments (Afro-centric).Contribution: presents multidimensional perspective defining reiterating admirable orientation, but also skill gaps, therefore, need improvement.Practical Implications: crafted provides compelling conceptualisation phenomenon often described only philosophical or political perspective. contributes debate comprehensive both positive negative elements.