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Creative Minds of Leaders in Psychobiographical Perspectives: Exploring the Life and Work of Christiaan Barnard and Angela Merkel

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New Horizons in Positive Leadership and Change

Part of the book series: Management for Professionals ((MANAGPROF))

Abstract

Creativity changes over the lifespan. Therefore, creative thinking should be investigated at different life stages and in different contexts. In this chapter, the careers of two exceptionally creative leaders are explored. The investigation is based on a comparative, longitudinal, psychobiographical case study design and employed a purposive sampling method to select the participants. The aim of psychobiographical case studies is to describe and interpret the contributions of exceptional individuals. Psychobiographical case studies provide a valuable method to further application and refinement of psychological theories. This study explored the manifestation of creativity in the life histories of the cardiac surgeon and medical pioneer, Christiaan Barnard, and the politician and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. The data included both primary and secondary documentary data. The data analysis strategy proposed by Irving Alexander was used to interpret the data according to Robert Sternberg’s WICS model. To maintain ethical standards, the authors were guided by respect, empathy, and accountability in dealing with the documentary data. The investigation demonstrates the interplay of wisdom, intelligence, and creativity during the careers of extraordinary individuals.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Claude-Hélène Mayer

  2. Institut für Therapeutische Kommunikation, Europa-Universität Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany

    Claude-Hélène Mayer

  3. Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

    Roelf van Niekerk

Authors
  1. Claude-Hélène Mayer
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  2. Roelf van Niekerk
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Business, Woodbury University, Burbank, CA, USA

    Satinder Dhiman

  2. School of Business, Woodbury University, Burbank, CA, USA

    Joan Marques

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Mayer, CH., van Niekerk, R. (2020). Creative Minds of Leaders in Psychobiographical Perspectives: Exploring the Life and Work of Christiaan Barnard and Angela Merkel. In: Dhiman, S., Marques, J. (eds) New Horizons in Positive Leadership and Change. Management for Professionals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38129-5_11

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