Towards an understanding of discernment: a conceptual paper

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the concept of “discernment”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper defines and presents discernment in a manner that sheds light on the construct and sets the stage for future research.

Findings

Discernment, is a significantly more involving kind of approach to decision making for the leader. It does not rely on precedents, best practices, or benchmarking. It is to understand the self and organization in a holistic way, inviting constant self‐evaluation and adjustments in order to make good judgments that serve the greater whole.

Research limitations/implications

Additional research is needed to empirically validate the concept through systematic investigations and devise a means to measure it.

Practical implications

The paper assists leaders in understanding the “what” and “why” of discernment and provides an opportunity for self‐evaluation by leaders as to how well each leader engages in discernment.

Originality/value

The paper is original and makes the foundational contribution for a beginning stream of research.

Citation

Traüffer, H.C.V., Bekker, C., Bocârnea, M. and Winston, B.E. (2010), "Towards an understanding of discernment: a conceptual paper", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 176-184. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437731011024411