Abstract
The leadership model proposed by Metz, grounded in the African
philosophy of ubuntu, provides a framework for understanding
the traits of African leadership as can be applied in business.
This article proposes an extension of these ideas by utilising
the African concept of ukama to offer a conceptualisation of
what constitutes environmental leadership in African business
contexts. The article begins by drawing on key authors to outline
the concept of ukama and highlights the focus ukama imparts
on the interdependence between humans and the natural
world. It then looks at the implications of ukama’s principles in
the realm of business leadership, illustrating how the qualities
of ukama-infused leadership can be translated into managing
ecological challenges. The article motivates the importance of
such a perspective, noting the environmental threats Africa
faces, the importance of incorporating Indigenous frameworks
into proposed solutions, and storytelling as a practical means
of embedding these values.