Leadership research in the Arab world: A systematic literature review and future research agenda

Abstract

This systematic review provides a comprehensive assessment of leadership research in the Arab world, examining dominant leadership styles, their underlying determinants, and publication trends over the past five decades. Drawing on a systematic analysis of 42 studies selected from an initial pool of 105 publications, the review identifies the most prominent leadership theories and explores the contextual factors shaping leadership practices across the countries in the Arab world. The findings reveal the widespread influence of Transformational Leadership, particularly in promoting gender inclusion and overcoming leadership barriers in countries such as United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. The review also highlights the growing relevance of Corporate Social Responsibility-oriented leadership and Servant Leadership, both of which contribute to organizational development, social responsibility, and the advancement of women in leadership roles. Furthermore, the analysis underscores the influence of sociocultural norms, gender dynamics, and democratic developments on leadership practices within the region. By synthesizing fragmented evidence on leadership in the Arab world, this study addresses a significant gap in the literature and offers a contextualized understanding of leadership theories and practices. The review provides a valuable foundation for future research while offering practical insights for policymakers, organizations, and leaders seeking to develop more effective, inclusive, and adaptive leadership approaches across diverse sectors in Arab countries. Keywords: Leadership; Arab World; Systematic Literature Review; Transformational Leadership; Gender and Leadership