Ibn Khaldun of North Africa: an AD 1377 theory of leadership

Purpose - This paper's purpose is to present the works of a North African early contributor to sociological theory, Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406), specifically pertaining to his conceptualization of leadership and the role of asabiya (group feeling) in leadership emergence. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reviews the Muqadimmah, (Prolegomena or the introduction), which contained his most important views of the issue. Findings - The paper develops an early model of leadership as described by Ibn Khaldun. This research study presents a different understanding of leadership that has applicability in a different era and in a different culture. The paper summarizes Ibn Khaldun's views on human nature, how leadership emerges, and the role of group feeling or asabiya in leadership situations. Practical implications - The paper presents some implications of Ibn Khaldun's work for understanding leadership dynamics in a non-western cultural context. It is suggested here that many of Ibn Khaldun's leadership propositions have particular significance for several non-Western societies especially in the Middle East and North Africa. Originality/value - The paper argues, that leadership research could benefit from the contributions of Ibn Khaldun in developing models that take different cultures into perspective.