Henry Mintzberg gives a critical analysis on the issue of development in the article ‘shifting the trajectory of civilization; developing leaders? Developing countries?’ He uses the reference to developing countries to display his ideas on the issue of ‘developing’ leaders and development in these countries. This paper seeks to explore on the ideas of Mintzberg as expressed in the article.
What is his key point?
Mintzberg is of the idea that it is impossible to think of developing a leader or a country, an idea that most developing countries seem to integrate in their development prospects. According to him, an ideal leader is not one who acts heroically but one who is engaging. Such leaders are focused on bringing out the best potential in people, rather than themselves. Consequently, this kind of leaders according to the Mintzberg cannot be developed. Instead of concentrating on developing leaders according to some defined tenets, he proposes that it is better to cultivate an environment that enhances leadership. In the same way, developing countries should allow themselves to develop in their own manner based on their diverse cultures. He discourages the idea of importing techniques and ideas which have worked in other countries especially the already developed. This according to him is the beginning of a downfall in development and only encourages exploitation of these countries.
What does it have to do with sustainability?
According to Mintzberg, any development that is not indigenously driven may not be sustainable. This is because imposed development is forced development, which is founded on imitation. With this kind of development, the local firms and leaders give to imported set of ideas, with disregard to their exceptional strengths or customs. Consequently, this does not encourage the people to learn on doing things their own way. With the absence of the imported ideas therefore, the country and its leaders may not be able to run their own affairs.
What is your opinion of his views?
Personally, I find the ideas of Mintzberg very useful and agree to them to a large extent. I think that each individual as well as country is unique in dissimilar ways. Because of this, it is impossible to think of developing either of them. Conversely, countries should be encouraged to follow their own indigenous models of development in nurturing their leaders and building their enterprises. In this way, they can be able to utilize their potentials maximally.
