Collective Traumas and the Development of Leader Values: A Currently Omitted, but Increasingly Urgent, Research Area

Abstract

The number of worldwide traumatic events is significant, yet the literature pays little attention to their implications for leader development. This article calls for a consideration of how collective trauma such as genocide and the Holocaust can shape the values of leaders, who are second- and third-generation descendants. Drawing on research on the transgenerational transmission of collective trauma and leader values, we show how collective trauma resides in (1) cultural rituals and artifacts, (2) community events and commemorations, and (3) family narratives is transmitted to leader descendants through at least three channels: social learning, social identity, and psychodynamics. We also offer propositions that recommend ways in which the transmission of these repositories can shape certain leader values that guide leader behaviors. Our conceptual review suggests that the transmission of collective trauma on leader development and leader values remains under-researched, offering prospects for new research and learning on the origins and seeds of leader development.

Conceptualizing Mental Health Through Bhutanese Refugee Lens: Findings from a Mixed Methods Study

“…As a guiding theoretical framework for our study, we used historical trauma theory, which examines the collective trauma experienced by a population and the effects of repeated traumatic experience across generations (Sotero, 2006 ). The literature contends that the transmission of collective trauma exists in cultural rituals and artifacts, community events and commemorations, and family narratives diffused through social learning, social identity, and psychodynamics (Tcholakian et al, 2019 ). The experience of historical trauma in a population has been identified as a potential cause for long-term distress and substance abuse among communities (Ehlers et al, 2013 ).…”

“Trauma can be a Really Great Teacher, and for Those That Have Invested in Learning the Lessons and Applying Those Lessons to Their Personal Evolution, it can set Them Apart as the Greatest Leaders”: Testimonios of the Professional and Leadership Experiences of Latina Executive Leaders With a History of Trauma

“…Very few studies in the current literature have examined how past personal trauma affects leadership development and identity among higher education leaders (Arnold et al, 2018;Breisch & Lexmond, 2013;Kramer & Allen, 2018;Popper & Mayseless, 2007;Tcholakian et al, 2019;Wolf Williams & Allen, 2015). Furthermore, researchers have yet to explore this topic exclusively among Latina leaders at postsecondary institutions (Arnold et al, 2018;Breisch & Lexmond, 2013;Wolf Williams & Allen, 2015) while using a qualitative approach (Wolf Williams & Allen, 2015).…”

“…Trauma and Leadership. Literature on the impact of early experiences, such as trauma, on leadership development and identity is minimal (Arnold et al, 2018;Breisch & Lexmond, 2013;Kramer & Allen, 2018;Popper & Mayseless, 2007;Tcholakian et al, 2019;Wolf Williams & Allen, 2015). To locate relevant articles, the following terms and phrases were used: administrators with trauma, leaders with trauma, trauma and leadership, executive leader, trauma, adverse experiences, adverse childhood experiences, abuse, violence, trauma survivors, post-traumatic leadership, and PTSD.…”

“…To locate relevant articles, the following terms and phrases were used: administrators with trauma, leaders with trauma, trauma and leadership, executive leader, trauma, adverse experiences, adverse childhood experiences, abuse, violence, trauma survivors, post-traumatic leadership, and PTSD. Studies on this topic are centered on military leaders (Kramer & Allen, 2018), were conducted outside the U.S. (Tcholakian et al, 2019;Uy & Okubo, 2018), and focused on the impact of intergenerational trauma as opposed to direct, personal exposure (Tcholakian et al, 2019). Some scholars suggest that individuals who experience trauma are compelled to help others and have a propensity to become community activists to prevent another's suffering (McGovern, 2006;Walsh, 2007).…”

“…First and foremost, the findings from the study expand our understanding of the professional experiences of Latina executive leaders with a history of trauma as it pertains to their relationship with power dynamics, with others, and with themselves. Very few studies on higher education leaders have investigated how their traumatic experiences influence their leadership identity, which includes their behavior and social interactions in the workplace (Arnold et al, 2018;Breisch & Lexmond, 2013;Kramer & Allen, 2018;Popper & Mayseless, 2007;Tcholakian et al, 2019;Wolf Williams & Allen, 2015).…”