This quantitative research study investigated a concept of a wise business leader providing for a wise leader model. The participants were from a closed population of international MBA graduates. A self-administered survey was accessed by the respondents through the Internet. The respondents evaluated their respective most senior executive leader, other than themselves, as to whether they perceived the leader as wise. Essential elements, drawn from the knowledge management and ethics management domains, were identified as necessary in viewing a leader as wise. Respondents then provided information as to the presence of all the elements in their respective organizations and evaluated leader. The results indicated a higher percentage of perceived wise leaders than the actual presence of the essential elements. This disparity may be due to charismatic, group-think, or personal alignment influences. Thus, an objective tool, such as the wise leader model, could be utilized to more accurately and effectively evaluate and develop an organization and its leadership. |