A Pragmatic Healer with deception: A qualitative study of Servant Leaders

Abstract

Servant Leadership style is characterized by truthfulness, and emotional healing. One may expect that individuals with such behavioral characteristics shall be straight forward and will not indulge in deception. However, studies show that deception is an important ingredient of social interaction and influence strategy. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to examine how organizational processes demand servant leaders to use deception and explore empirically how servant leaders employ deception in their day-to-day life. The study employs Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis method to explore the lived experiences of the senior executives from various sectors. While the characteristics of their consciousness continues to remain rooted in truthfulness, and concern for the subordinates. The participants faced complex situations at workplace, which made the use of deception inevitable. The participants used deception in diverse forms, such as creating fae, portraying themselves as strict. This study adds a degree of pragmatism to servant leadership style. Findings shows that servant leadership style is not an idealistic attitude but a pragmatic leadership style that not always compromise personal interests to fulfill the interests of others, but acts pragmatically according to the situation.