Strategic Leadership Archetypes


Archetypes originate from recurring strategic management behaviour patterns that shape how choices are framed (Wissema et al., 1980). Strategic leadership research builds on this to show how leaders align purpose, people, and learning with disciplined choices and execution to sustain advantage in changing conditions (Hambrick & Wowak, 2021).

Technique Overview

Strategic Leadership Archetypes

Strategic Leadership Archetypes Definition

Strategic leadership archetypes are recognisable configurations of mindset, priorities and behaviours that leaders use to set direction, align the organisation and renew capabilities. They guide how leaders detect opportunities, choose among strategic options and mobilise execution. Archetypes are not rigid types; effective leaders shift between them to balance improvement and innovation as context changes (Wissema et al., 1980; Monga, 2002; Hambrick & Wowak, 2021).

Strategic Leadership Archetypes Description *

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Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Strategic Leadership Archetypes *

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Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of Strategic Leadership Archetypes *

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Professional Tools

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Further Reading

Strategic Leadership Archetypes web and print resources *

Strategic Leadership Archetypes references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Accenture, 2023. Decarbonizing the Future of Metals and Mining: How leadership and culture can accelerate decarbonization. Accenture. Available at: https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insights/natural-resources/decarbonizing-future-metals-mining?
  • Bornay-Barrachina, M., López-Cabrales, Á. and Salas-Vallina, A., 2025. Sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring dynamic capabilities in innovative firms: Why does strategic leadership make a difference? BRQ Business Research Quarterly, 28(2), pp.399-420.
  • Cagan, M., 2025. Product Leadership Archetypes. Silicon Valley Product Group. Available at: https://www.svpg.com/product-leadership-archetypes/Chief Executive Group, 2024. 5 Leadership Styles That Can Derail Companies—And End Careers.
  • Chief Executive. Available at: https://chiefexecutive.net/5-leadership-styles-that-can-derail-companies-and-end-careers/

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