Research design and methodology
Approach
The research design adopted a qualitative approach to thoroughly investigate the complex relationship between Authentic Leadership (AL) and creatives' success.
Methodology
Its primary aim was explanatory, seeking to uncover how AL influences creative success by delving into the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals. The core methodological tool was narrative analysis, which allowed for an in-depth exploration of personal and complex human experiences.
Data collection
Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, providing a flexible yet structured framework to gather detailed narratives from participants. A purposeful sampling strategy was employed to select individuals with relevant experience in creative industries and exposure to authentic leadership.
Philosophy
The entire design was grounded in an interpretive research philosophy, emphasising the subjective nature of reality and the importance of understanding the world from the participants' viewpoints.
Narrative analysis
The core approach focuses on capturing and interpreting the personal stories and lived experiences of the participants. It allowed for an in-depth understanding of how individuals perceived and articulated their encounters with AL and its impact on their careers.
Thematic analysis
Following the narrative analysis, a thematic analysis was conducted. This involved systematically identifying, analyzing, and reporting recurring patterns (themes) within the interview data. These themes were then compared across different participant groups (e.g., creative vs. non-creative, small vs. large organizations) to uncover broader insights.
The research sample consisted of 11 participants from Europe, specifically Italy, Spain, and the UK. They were primarily from the new generation of leaders, aged between 27 and 30, and identified as experts in their fields with 3+ years of experience
Job titles
Predominantly creative professionals (designers, art directors, copywriters, filmmakers), but also included a 24% minority from non-creative backgrounds (hospitality, warehouse, university) to offer comparative insights.
Company size
An equal number of participants had experience in both small-to-medium companies (under 100 employees) and big corporations, allowing for varied perspectives on organisational settings.
Cultural background
The majority (76%) were raised in Italy, with a diverse European background, many having lived abroad for at least six months, enriching the study with intercultural perspectives.
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