Impact of Authentic Leadership on Critical Thinking Skills among Managers of Islamic Banks in Kuwait

Abstract

The current research study aimed at focusing on understanding how authentic leadership can lead to better critical thinking, and if there was an influence of authentic leadership on critical thinking from perspective of leaders within Kuwaiti Islamic banks. Quantitative approach was utilized for this sake, a questionnaire was handled by (223) individuals within Islamic banks in Kuwait. Variables of authentic leadership were adopted (Transparency, Morals, Balanced Processing and Self-Awareness). Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v. 23rd was used to screen and analyze gathered data. Results of study accepted current research hypothesis and it appeared that authentic leadership dimensions has the ability to increase critical thinking among leaders. In addition to that, it appeared that self-awareness is the most influential among the rest of the dimensions of authentic leadership is closely related to the ability of authentic leadership to help the leaders see themselves from the inside in terms of strengths and weaknesses, and in terms of the level of values adopted by the leader and the leader’s point of view, their leadership style and leadership abilities and how these abilities will affect the work environment. Based on results, study recommended developing the skill of impartiality within individuals; this can take place through training them to judge things objectively and impartially. In addition to train them to overcome prejudice by having the courage to face private thoughts and beliefs, and put them to the test before accepting them, which helps to look at things differently.