Exploring Mindfulness and Leadership Development: Lessons Learnt Using Grounded Theory Through the Study of the Performing Arts

Abstract

The article investigates mindfulness mechanisms and leadership attributes as reflected by performing artists. This qualitative study analyses major categories to develop a theoretical framework of mindful leadership development employing performing arts. The present study uses interpretivism to explore respondents’ experiences and unique phenomena. The grounded theory (GT) methodology aided in exploring grounded data and theory construction. Abstract core category ‘immense concentration and self-control’ captured the abstract and inclusive meaning as understood by the participants in this study. The qualitative coding analysis helped explore the data-driven abstract phenomena. Results of the present study exhibited that all performing artists require high concentration and self-control to exemplify mesmerizing Koodiyattam performing arts. Theoretical reflections on the relationships between the relevant categories are provided in depth. The connections of five major categories between mindfulness mechanisms, leadership attributes, motivation components, values and beliefs, and personality dispositions are particularly intriguing.