Abstract
This chapter focuses on culture and its effect on leadership styles in Ghana. A brief background and history of Ghana is first provided then the cultural landscape of Ghana and its impact on leadership styles and effectiveness is discussed. Ghana managers are likely to adopt a paternalistic leadership style, influenced by the traditional rule system where the chief is seen as the father of the community. Ghana managers and leaders in a work organization are also expected to make decisions that will benefit the organization and employees without necessarily involving employees in the decision-making process. Overall, findings of a qualitative study, including the Delphi technique and focus groups, suggests that participants viewed an effective leader as being achievement and results-oriented, focused, committed, courageous, hardworking, and having integrity. Unexpected results of leadership also suggest that a gender of the leader, in particular being male, religion and spirituality, and a sense of humor are important factors in leadership effectiveness. Finally, both foreigners and locals perspectives on issues associated with leadership are also presented in the chapter.
Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden. (Ghanaian Proverb)
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Asiedu-Appiah, F., Agyapong, A., Lituchy, T.R. (2017). Leadership in Ghana. In: LEAD: Leadership Effectiveness in Africa and the African Diaspora. Palgrave Studies in African Leadership. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59121-0_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59121-0_6
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