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Iranian Mystical Leadership: Lessons for Contemporary Leaders

In: Leadership through the Classics

Author

Listed:
  • Afsaneh Nahavandi

    (Arizona State University)

Abstract

Iran, or Persia as it was known in the West until the early part of the twentieth century, was one of the great empires of antiquity with many celebrated leaders and a rich tradition of science, philosophy, and literature. Starting with Zoroastrian teachings dating back 2,500 years ago, through myths presented in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (Book of Kings) in the tenth century, and Saadi’s Golestan (The Rose Garden) in the thirteenth century, the leadership themes have remained the same. They present the ideal of the courageous, caring, humble, and moderate leader-hero who rises to save the nation against various supernatural, foreign, or domestic evils, while showing unwavering loyalty to country, king, and family, kindness to the weak and his enemies, and caring for his followers. These leadership themes, their links to current leadership theory and other ancient philosophies, and their applicability to today’s organizations are explored.

Suggested Citation

  • Afsaneh Nahavandi, 2012. "Iranian Mystical Leadership: Lessons for Contemporary Leaders," Springer Books, in: Gregory P. Prastacos & Fuming Wang & Klas Eric Soderquist (ed.), Leadership through the Classics, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 191-204, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-642-32445-1_13
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-32445-1_13
    as

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