The Heroine Archetype and Design Leadership in Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu: A Psychobiological Global Leadership Investigation

Past leadership research has accorded African women leaders far too little attention. This chapter seeks to redress the imbalance through a psychobiography of a prominent woman leader from Ethiopia, Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu. Aside from its examination of the Aftrican-Ethiopian perspective on leadership, this single case study will be guided by Jung’s heroine archetype, as well as by the design leadership approach. The chapter provides insights into intra- as well as inter-psychological qualities in business leadership in a selected woman leader. It contributes to the existing body of psychobiographical research on women leaders by addressing the void in life span research through its dual theoretical grounding, which spans the psychological (Jung’s archetypes) and the social (leadership theory). The research methodology is qualitative, using a hermeneutical-interpretative paradigm and a psychobiographical approach. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations for future research and practice for women in leadership in Africa are offered.