Destructive Leadership in State and Religion: An Exegetical Study of Hosea 7:1–16

Abstract

Leadership has always been an unresolved problem across time or space. Balancing destructive leadership practices is essential especially in the context of religion and the state. Changes in models occur to answer the need for effective and relevant leaders. Various models of leadership are attested including servant leadership, transactional leadership, supportive leadership, laissez-faire leadership, transformational leadership and other positive leadership. The importance of a positive model in bringing full awareness to leaders in carrying out the leadership mandate is emphasised in this essay. The study focuses on the definition of destructive leadership and destructive leadership models practised by Israelite leaders during the ministry of Prophet Hosea in the eighth century B.C.E based on the text of Hosea 7:1-16. A destructive leader is described as one who negatively influences his followers. The negative influence may lead to the destruction of the organisation he/she leads. The destructive leadership model found in Hosea 7:1-16 is not integrity-oriented but power-oriented and individual-oriented. Three factors characterise it―the leader, the followers and the environment. https://doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2022/v35n2a11

Keywords

• destructive leadership
• Hosea 7:1-16
• State
• Religious