Leadership Lessons in Sustainability from Elders and Events in Historical Clan Survival Stories

Abstract

What leadership lessons in sustainability can be learned from historical clan survival stories that include elders' responses to survival events? We provide in this chapter analysis of stories of survival in which elders as leaders and advisers convey meanings and morals which serve as educative tools for their clans. The findings relate to current leadership style theories and align with principles of social, economic and environmental sustainability. By observations through an original framework and tabulation, the chapter concisely presents distilled wisdom for the management of current and future crisis events which may threaten supply chains and, consequently, short- and long-term sustainability. The findings are useful to several audiences, such as, organizational leaders, volunteers and community managers who are involved in crisis management and addressing its impact on employees and the broader community. The research also opens the pathway for academics to explore some new areas in survival management. Ultimately, we acknowledge the endeavours and achievements of our elders whose descendants we hope will appreciate the reflection of their contributions. It is the spirit of collaboration, sharing diverse experiences, as we all must do in a crisis, which we hope to learn from and share in the solutions moving forward to future events.

Citation

Creed, A., Zutshi, A. and Connelly, B.L. (2021), "Leadership Lessons in Sustainability from Elders and Events in Historical Clan Survival Stories", Spee, J.C., McMurray, A. and McMillan, M. (Ed.) Clan and Tribal Perspectives on Social, Economic and Environmental Sustainability, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 87-101. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78973-365-520211010