A posthuman autoethnographic exploration of the transformational potential of embodied leadership

Abstract

This thesis combines a posthumanist theoretical framework with phenomenological autoethnographic methodology to provide an empirical account of the lived experience of embodied leadership. The practice of embodied leadership has summoned increased attention from leadership pedagogical providers however it is still a relatively ‘niche’ domain that is not well understood theoretically or empirically, with cognitive models still favoured over embodied models of leadership practice and development. The phenomenon of embodied leadership requires careful examination of its application and benefits to organisations but also theoretical grounding that may be continuously informed and refined by empirical research. This study aims to remedy the scarcity of empirical research by connecting an exploration of the transformation potential of embodied leadership as a practising and situated senior leader in the UK financial services industry within the theoretical domain of posthumanism.
The processual, relational way the body is used as a source of knowing and learning that is constitutive of leadership action was how the phenomenon of embodied leadership emerged from the data. Findings indicate that (1) achieving mastery of embodied leadership requires structured and sustained practice over time; (2) embodied leadership holds a greater possibility for leadership transformation through bridging the gap between self-awareness and action that is grounded directly into the enactment of leadership practice and; (3) embodied leadership transfers positively to the enactment of leadership practice by facilitating a greater capacity for attuned presence and a relational mode of empathy.
The contribution of this study lies in three areas. Firstly, the study advances the case for incorporating embodied leadership into mainstream leadership learning curricula as a fundamental (rather than adjunctive) source of learning, which extends beyond the impact of mental knowledge production to make leadership transformation more meaningful. Secondly, the findings illuminate the practical application and associated challenges of embodied leadership which will inform how businesses approach and embed embodied leadership into their everyday organisational contexts. Thirdly, the study makes an empirical contribution to the posthuman study of embodiment by providing an account of the phenomenon of embodiment ‘as lived’ without detracting from the ways we usually live, explain and narrate our lives as leaders. In doing so, it illuminates a concept that has been somewhat empirically illusive in the posthuman literature.

Date of Award	3 Apr 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Winchester
Supervisor	John Richardson (Supervisor), Adam Palmer (Supervisor) & Katrina Easterling (Supervisor)