Deconstructing Inequity and Racial Injustice in Servant Leadership for a Just and Inclusive Future

• In Event: Advancing Equity and Inclusivity Through Ethical Leadership and Documentary Engagement in Education

Abstract

In this study I explore the intersection of inequality and racial injustice in servant leadership. Servant leadership is upheld as an aspirational way of leading and being in educational contexts. To date, there has been little critique of servant leadership within the context of equity, diversity, inclusion, and race. An overly-romanticized approach to servant leadership fails to consider aspects of servitude such as the subjugation of those who serve because they have no other choice; those without power or privilege. Five themes emerged from this study: a) lack of clarity and operationalization, b) potential exploitation, c) overemphasis on follower needs; d) Challenges in hierarchy and authority, and e) difficulties in performance evaluation. Recommendations for decolonizing servant leadership are included.

Author

• Sarah Elaine Eaton, University of Calgary