Leadership Credibility: A Holistic Exploration on the Making of Credible Leaders

Abstract

“What makes credible leaders?” While there is extant literature on credible leadership, there is insufficient literature that addresses the holistic exploration on the making of credible leaders to understand how everyday perceived effective credible leaders engage, interact and act to sustain their credibility. This study aimed to explore the experiences of perceived credible leaders to holistically understand their perceptions and experiences. The study employed a qualitative group interview method (n = 3; 1 woman). Data were analyzed using the constructivist grounded theory. Findings indicated that credible leadership development is an extension of the moral self of the leader. Other critical elements highlighted that form the dimensions of the making of credible leaders entail having resilience, competence, and building others. This study gives a new perspective of moral self as an antecedent to credible leadership. Further confirmatory empirical research should be conducted to deepen the understanding of the perspective of the moral self as an antecedent to credible leadership.