Den transformative ledelsesbyrde: Etnografisk studie af en religionsinspireret ledelsesfilosofi i en dansk modevirksomhed

Through ethnographic methods, the project studies the intra-organizational dynamics of a particular leadership philosophy inspired by Buddhism, implemented in the case company NULMA - a Danish sports and fashion apparel company. The particular leadership philosophy, empirically called ‘Karma Organization’, is performed as a transformative leadership style and opposes more transactional and Tayloristic leadership styles often practiced in the Danish fashion industry. The opposing leadership styles appear as two dominating discourses - referred to as ‘Religion’ and ‘Business’ – and despite their diverse nature, they coexist, take turns dominating and reinforcing each other in practice
In short, this study shows the interaction between two dominant discourses and their impact on employees' behavior and identity creation, and constitution of organizational expectations (from employees and managers) on the enforcement of a transformational leadership style. These expectations puts a strain on several leaders in their daily practices. Similarly, the organizational expectations puts pressure on senior management to maintain transformative leadership as part of the organizational culture.