Cultural mythologies from the Americas were drawn from the U.S., Canada, the Carribean, Argentina,and Brazil. The geography spans across nine time zones and extends from the far north of the Arctic Circle to the southern reaches towards Antarctica. Many of the cultural mythologies reflect relatively recent historical trajectories relative to other regions of the world.
In Chapter 5, Adriana Garibaldi de Hilal examines cultural mythology and leadership in Brazil. In Brazil, Western and non-Western cultures have mingled for centuries creating what is termed the 'Brazilian Dilemma'- a unique dynamic when things run both through a personaql egalitarian code as well as a traditional hierarchal system. Brazilian myths have thus developed as special kinds of narratives, traditions in their own right which in many ways mirror the society, and reveal deeper levels of consciousness that mediate between modes of existence. They are seen to include the carnival rite- myth of equality versus hierarchy; the home and the street- myth of the dual social domains; 'Do you know who you are talking to' - myth of the conflict-averse society; myth of the worker versus the adventurer; myth of the cordial man; and the myth that 'foreign is better'. These mythological frameworks in turn underlie deep-seeded cultural values that exhibited in manifest public expressions such as the collective, almost spiritual passion for futbol as well as the famous Brazilian 'jeitinho' or art of bending rules. Combining these insights with empirical research findings, Garibaldi de Hilal extends her analysis to offer several guidelines for motivating, communicating, and leading successfully in and with Brazil.
In Chapter 4, Patricia Friedrich, Andres Hatum and Luiz Mesquita examine cultural mythology and leadership in Argentina. The authors anchor their discussion by presenting three Argentine mythological figures: Evita Peron, Che Guevara and the iconic gaucho. They then trace the influence of these mythologies through modern public and business leaders. Insofar as myths reveal collective value systems and central characteristics, these Argentine myths have acquired symbolic meaning as representatives of the collective identity. The authors' analysis reveals that the three focal myths draw out inherent contradictions in the Argentine fabric, such as exhibiting simultaneous glamor and suffering a la Peron, acting as both rebel and savior a la Che, and representing the national spirit as well as irrelevant outsider a la the gaucho. Digging deeper, these contradictions reveal the crux of an 'Argentine paradox' and requisite leadership style which is, at the same time, charismatic and team oriented, willing to listen but take a charge personality, high power distance but egalitarian oriented, and self-acclaiming while socially devoted. Friedrich et al. build from thier analysis to offer insights into effective leadership within Argentina and ways of navigating its 'muddy road' of social/business indivisibility, linguistic indirectness, and highly interactive trust-building dynamics.
In Chapter 3, Betty Jane Punnett and Dion Greenbridge examine cultural mythology and leadership found in the Carribean. While not a single country, many of the small nation-states in the Caribbean display much variety yet, as the authors contend, share many factors that shape a common cultural foundation. Punnett and Greenbridge begin by providing historical context and, from this analysis, focus on two of the region's fundamentatl mythologies. First, they discuss the unique mix of African magical beliefs with traditional Christian influence.Voodoo and Obeah, which include active supernatural powers that can be brought to bear through spells and other practices, are seen to convey the importance of leadership-related factors such as information, access, and centralization. Second, mythical stories of Anancy are described that paint a picture of the 'trickster spider' that is able to upend larger and more powerful foes. This mythological image suggests a means for balancing power through informal methods. Examples of leadership within business and political contexts reinforce the manifestation of these myths within the give an take of modern practice. The authors then suggest practical considerations for leaders to accommodate these myths such as through greater transparency and participation, the promotion of trust and a sense of security, and achieving fit with and proactively affecting positive change.
In Chapter2, Nina Cole and Rhona Berengut examine cultural mythology and leadership in Canada. They first discuss myths of the land that literally as well as figuratively shape Canadian leadership. Harsh weather and opne spaces spawn small communities and esteem for communicative and connective mediums. They then transition to myths of the cultural fabric that binds these communities. Recounting imagery from early settlers and natives, the authors describe artistic mediums that propagate stories of railroad and frontier travel. Subsequent myths of the winter and sport focus on ice hockey and the legendary status of its superstars. Taken together these myths connote values of resiliency, cooperation, and acceptance that underlie the vast Canadian mosaic and, even though they might agree on very little (except that they are not Americans, as per the Canadian 'anti-heroism sentiment' in contrast to the preceeding chapter), shape a leadership paradigm emphasizing contingency and accomodation, socialized power and justice, and fundamentally transformational and participatory approaches. Examples from politics, business, sports, and the social conscience reinforce these claims, perhaps most interestingly in the winner of a 'Great Canadian' poll- Medicare father Tommy Douglas. Cole and Berengut emphasize pluralistic cooperation and team building in Canadian leadership that, despite misconceptions of simplicity and potential shortcomings in proactice and aggressive styles, are seen as well positioned to adapt to the complex, pluralistic global business context.
In Chapter 1, Eric Kessler examines cultural mythology and leadership in the United States. The primary myth developed is the comic-book superhero. From campfire tales to children's cartoons to blockbuster cinematic characters and their mass marketed paraphernalia, American leadership is frequently conveyed through larger-than-life individuals whose styles are idealized and idolized. Through a discussion of ten representative comic-book superheroes and their leadership lessons, a prototypical American 'superhero leader' profile is derived- they fight for noble personal and societal goals, are strong, fast, brave, and nimble, leverage cutting-edge technology and physical resources, creatively develop and exploit unique advantage, are self-reflect on identity and purpose. In the corporate and public arenas these American Supermen and Wonder-Women receive much fame and fortune for their herioc individual and performance-driven exploits. Kessler points out that this mythology spans multiple domains, differs from other cultural depictions, is grounded in historical and ethical foundations, and is constantly evolving to reflect changes in the broader social context. He concludes with a discussion of a more collaborative 'post-herioc' leadership style and the need to balance these two approaces to create true and enduring organizational greatness.
