BUSI 503 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PAPER LEADER FROM THE BIBLE – GIDEON_2024.pdf

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Research Paper: Leader from the Bible – Gideon

James Rod

School of Business, Liberty University

Respectfully submitted to Dr. Joseph Mattox

December 09, 2023

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Abstract

leadership in four categories: personal attributes of leadership, interpersonal leadership,

contextual leadership, and contemporary leadership. The paper draws on various sources, such as

the biblical account of Gideon’s life and leadership theories and models. The paper illustrates

that Gideon was an effective leader who demonstrated God’s power and grace through his

weaknesses and challenges using various leadership theories. The paper concludes by

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Research Paper: Leader from the Bible – Gideon

Northouse (2021) defines leadership as “a process whereby an individual influences a group of

individuals to achieve a common goal” (p. 6). This definition identifies four key leadership

components: a process, influence, a group of individuals, and a common goal. Reflecting on

current and past great leaders, it is easy to conclude that Northouse’s definition is fitting. One

such leader is Gideon, a judge and military leader in ancient Israel who delivered his people from

contextual leadership, and contemporary leadership. Some aspects that will be discussed include

Gideon’s faith, courage, humility, communication, strategy, and legacy. By examining these four

major leadership categories, one will better understand leadership and the process of leadership

within the context of Biblical history through the life of Gideon. The primary purpose of this

paper is to illustrate that Gideon was an effective leader who demonstrated God’s power and

grace through his weaknesses and challenges using various leadership theories. We will begin by

exploring the personal attributes of leadership.

Personal Attributes of Leadership

There are three approaches to studying the personal attributes of leadership, which

include the trait, skill, and behavior approach. The trait approach focuses on the personality and

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are born with qualities that make them natural leaders, such as intelligence, self-esteem, integrity,

according to neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness

(Northouse, 2021). The skill approach focuses on the abilities and competencies of leaders rather

than their personality traits. It assumes leadership skills can be learned and developed through

training and experience. The skill approach tries to identify the essential skills that leaders need

to perform effectively in different situations and levels of leadership. For example, one of the

tasks and behaviors related to relationships. The core of the behavioral approach is how leaders

use these two kinds of behaviors to affect others (Northouse, 2021). It assumes that leadership is

not a fixed trait or ability but a flexible and adaptable pattern of behavior that the situation and

followers can influence. The behavior approach tries to identify the most effective leadership

styles and behaviors for different contexts and outcomes (Northouse, 2021). For example, one of

the behavior approach frameworks is the Situational Leadership Theory, which will be discussed

later.

Examining Gideon's personal attributes as a leader, he had faith in God and trusted his

guidance, even when he faced impossible odds. This faith and trust were not automatic as Gideon

doubted his abilities and what God could do through him (New American Standard Bible,

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followed his guidance, even when it seemed illogical or dangerous. He believed God would give

success. He recognized that God was the true ruler of the Israelites (New American Standard

Bible, 1960/2000, Judges 6:15, 8:22-23). Gideon dared to face his fears and challenges. He

destroyed the idol of Baal and led a small army with trumpets, torches, and jars against a much

larger enemy (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2000, Judges 6:25-32, 7:9-15, 7:16-20).

Gideon had the wisdom to use strategy and diplomacy in his warfare. He also had integrity and

of others (Zander, 2020). It requires the leader to communicate and connect with one or more

followers and influence them to achieve a common goal or shared objective (Lamm et al., 2016).

Three theories are associated with interpersonal leadership: leader-member exchange (LMX),

followership, and team leadership. LMX focuses on the relationship quality between the leader

and each follower. It suggests that leaders develop various levels of trust, respect, and obligation

with different followers, resulting in in-groups and out-groups (Northouse, 2021). The in-group

members have more access to resources, support, and opportunities, while the out-group

members have less. The LMX theory suggests that leaders must enhance their interactions with

all followers, which can lead to positive outcomes. The followership theory emphasizes the role

and behavior of the followers in the leadership process. It suggests that followers are not passive

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organizational outcomes (Matshoba-Ramuedzisi et al., 2022). Followership theory identifies

environments. It suggests that team leaders must balance two main functions: performance and

development (Northouse, 2021). The performance function involves setting goals, defining roles,

solving problems, and facilitating decision-making. The development function involves building

trust, resolving conflicts, providing feedback, and motivating team members. The team

leadership theory proposes that leaders should adapt their style and actions to the changing needs

by choosing 300 men out of his army of 32,000 to fight the Midianites based on their loyalty and

courage (New International Version, 1973/2011, Judges 7:2-8). He formed a quality relationship

with these men, who followed faithfully. Gideon exhibited followership by obeying God’s

commands even when it seemed illogical and dangerous. Finally, Gideon showed effective team

leadership by dividing his 300 men into three groups and coordinating their actions to defeat the

Midianites. Using effective communication and inspiration, Gideon motivated his followers. He

gave them a clear vision and acclamation, saying, “For the Lord and for Gideon” (New

International Version, 1973/2011, Judges 7:18). He also showed empathy and respect to his

followers as he listened to their complaints and concerns and shared the spoils of war with them.

Gideon collaborated with other tribes and sought their help when needed. He showed his

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Contextual Leadership

adaptive leadership. The situational leadership theory suggests that leaders should adjust their

leadership style according to their followers' readiness and willingness (Northouse, 2021). The

SLII® model assists leaders in determining how they should approach particular situations as a

leader, such as delegating, supporting, coaching, or directing. Leaders should be flexible,

adaptable, and able to change their style and behavior according to the followers' level of

et al., 2022). Each behavior corresponds to a unique way of providing guidance, encouragement,

involvement, and challenge to the followers and is appropriate for a different combination of

follower characteristics and work environment (Fabac et al., 2022). Adaptive leadership is

centered on the principle that a leader’s role is to help followers adapt to complex and uncertain

challenges by rallying them to tackle problems, learn from experiences, and thrive in change

(Northouse, 2021).

Gideon demonstrated contextual leadership by adjusting his leadership approach to the

specific situation and the needs of his followers. He reduced his army from 32,000 to 10,000 by

sending away those who were afraid. Then again, he reduced the number of men to 300 by

asking them to drink water from a stream and observing how they drank it (New International

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adapting to the commitment and competence of his followers. Gideon then demonstrated the

among his followers. He fostered innovation using unconventional and creative methods to

defeat the Midianites (New International Version, 1973/2011, Judges 7:15-21).

Contemporary Leadership

There are three contemporary leadership theories: transformational, authentic, and

servant. Transformational leadership is concerned with accomplishing remarkable things by

leaders are generally energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate. They have a clear vision of the

organizational goals and motivate and empower their followers to achieve them. They also

challenge the status quo and encourage creativity and innovation among their followers

(Northouse, 2021). Authentic leadership is a leadership approach that emphasizes transparency,

being morally grounded, and being responsive (Northouse, 2021). Authentic leaders are self-

aware, consistent, and principled. They care about their followers personally and try to

understand their perspectives and needs. They also foster a positive and inclusive work

environment where everyone can be themselves and express their opinions freely (Crossan et al.,

2023). Servant leadership is a leadership approach that puts the needs of followers first and

serves them rather than commands them (Northouse, 2021; Crossan et al., 2023). It prioritizes

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and support their followers’ development and performance. They also create a culture of trust,

plan to deliver them from the Midianites. Gideon motivated and empowered his followers to join

him in battle. Gideon exhibited authentic leadership as he was transparent, genuine, and honest

with his followers. He cared about his followers and understood their perspectives and needs. He

fostered an environment where his followers could express themselves, such as allowing those

who were afraid to leave the army (New International Version, 1973/2011, Judges 7:2-8). Gideon

them. He shared power, delegated authority, and supported his followers’ development and

performance. This was demonstrated when he divided the 300 men into smaller groups and

coordinated their actions. Although Gideon displayed both transformational and servant

leadership, he favored transformational leadership as the focus was more on developing the

followers to accomplish a more significant group goal than developing the individual followers.

This research paper has illustrated that Gideon was an effective leader who demonstrated

God’s power and grace through his weaknesses and challenges using various leadership theories.

By examining four major leadership categories: personal attributes of leadership, interpersonal

leadership, contextual leadership, and contemporary leadership, one has gained a better