WORLD FAMOUS PATERNALISTIC LEADERS
Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho has excelled while using a framework, closely resembles the
paternalistic style.
Mourinho has shown the paternalistic ability to influence his players to achieve the
best success by supporting and defending his players. He has told players they are
the best, even when they haven’t performed well. He keeps the pressure off the
players and instead takes the hit himself in the pressrooms to allow players to focus
on performance.
Motivating tactic of ‘us’ versus ‘them’. His team is a family unit that must go out and
fight against the ‘other’.
Shows resilience, commitment, and the passion to win, which results in his players
looking up to him
On the other hand, also shows the downside -when loyalty goes, then leadership is
hard. This happened during his last time managing Chelsea. The players stopped
believing in his vision and because he believed, he is right, the respect and loyalty
quickly eroded
Francis Ford Coppola
Movies industry creates perfect framework for leadership style, while working closely
on set, tight budget and schedule means someone must be in charge.
In most instances, the chief decision-maker is Coppola himself and oncesaid, “You
can make the decision that you feel is best, but listen to everyone, because cinema is
collaboration.” Understanding your subordinates and make decisions that suit them,
require collaboration even though the final word is with the leader.
Aims to create a family-like environment without handing over the reins of power.
Due to his success and his way of treating cast members, he has created an aura
around him. People who start working with him tend to revere him even before. The
paternalistic requirement of loyalty and trust has therefore already been achieved.
Ingvar Kamprad / IKEA
Founder of IKEA and a solid example of paternalistic leader.
Kamprad believes that by setting a good example, the subordinates will
trust you more and perform their own work better as well.
Was purely an effort to create a family business in which the core values
of the company still emphasize the idea of ‘one big family’. Kamprad set
the vision, the goals and operational strategies from the start and in
control of the decisions, however he tried to make decisions with the
‘family’s’ wellbeing at the core of his thinking.
Wanted workers to have fun, but also to ensure they serve customers to
the best of their abilities.
He believed by improving employee motivation through caring and
support, you also end up driving the bottom line.
Jack Ma / Alibaba
Effective strategy in non-Western cultures like China.
Jack Ma, a paternalistic style leader has created one of the world’s biggest
companies, Alibaba.
Combination of paternalistic style, charismatic and participative leadership
-the idea of him as the ‘father figure’ remains strong within the company.
Surrounded with a team that trusts and would do quite a bit to please him.
Lead by example and ensure subordinates are having fun while working
hard.
Acts as the unifying force within the company;creating the vision the
organization should work towards