Qurratu'l-Ayn Tahirih: A Study in Transformational Leadership
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TextProducer: San Diego, CA : United States International University 1992Subject(s): Abstract: The intent of this study was to demonstrate how Tahirih's activities as an agent for change in mid-19th century Iran qualify her for historical recognition as a transformational leader. A working theoretical model of transformational leadership consisting of the following four constructs was synthesized oafter a systematic review of the literature: (1) moral reasoning that is revolutionary in nature; (2) embodies conflict with courage and integrity; (3) inspirational and educational in nture ; (4) followers carry on the work until desired vision is institutionalized. A review of the literature on the life of Tahirih was conducted, including an assessment of source credibility. An integrative qualitative content analysis of the published materials was then conducted to show "goodness of fit" between the life of Tahirih and the above-mentioned characteristics of the transformational leader. A major impact of Tahirih's efforts was the awakening of people to the needs for wider social justice for women. She promoted the right to intellectual moral reasoning--the right to investigate truth independently. Tahirih gained legendary fame in her own time for her revolutionary interpretation and eloquent exposition of the religious thought previaling at the time in parts of Iran and Iraq. Tahirih's fame spread across national and religious boundaries. Tahirih initiated and embraced conflicts using techniqus of intellectual moral reasoning, inspirational leadership, and spiritual purpose, which were intended to cause radical shifts in socio-cultural and religious practices. Women's rights movements in several countries have directly benefitted from her efforts. She spoke of her vision of the coming of a new age of human development, and aligned herself with the Babi/Baha'i religious movement. The study concludes that a fifth construct--spirituality--needs to be added to the above-mentioned four constructs, so that the transformational qualities exemplified by Tahirih may be more adequately evaluated.
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The intent of this study was to demonstrate how Tahirih's activities as an agent for change in mid-19th century Iran qualify her for historical recognition as a transformational leader. A working theoretical model of transformational leadership consisting of the following four constructs was synthesized oafter a systematic review of the literature: (1) moral reasoning that is revolutionary in nature; (2) embodies conflict with courage and integrity; (3) inspirational and educational in nture ; (4) followers carry on the work until desired vision is institutionalized. A review of the literature on the life of Tahirih was conducted, including an assessment of source credibility. An integrative qualitative content analysis of the published materials was then conducted to show "goodness of fit" between the life of Tahirih and the above-mentioned characteristics of the transformational leader. A major impact of Tahirih's efforts was the awakening of people to the needs for wider social justice for women. She promoted the right to intellectual moral reasoning--the right to investigate truth independently. Tahirih gained legendary fame in her own time for her revolutionary interpretation and eloquent exposition of the religious thought previaling at the time in parts of Iran and Iraq. Tahirih's fame spread across national and religious boundaries. Tahirih initiated and embraced conflicts using techniqus of intellectual moral reasoning, inspirational leadership, and spiritual purpose, which were intended to cause radical shifts in socio-cultural and religious practices. Women's rights movements in several countries have directly benefitted from her efforts. She spoke of her vision of the coming of a new age of human development, and aligned herself with the Babi/Baha'i religious movement. The study concludes that a fifth construct--spirituality--needs to be added to the above-mentioned four constructs, so that the transformational qualities exemplified by Tahirih may be more adequately evaluated.