Abstract

This paper is what can be described (in a positive sense) as a hybrid. This is because it analyzes the character of Hamlet in terms of his leadership qualities which means that it also explores the world of organizational behavior. In fact what the paper does is an analysis of one of Shakespeare’s most famous protagonists and then draws the specific leadership traits he exhibits. It does this by drawing heavily on the play itself to make the points. More specifically, it looks at the character of the Prince of Denmark in terms of the leadership typology created by Jim Collins, the specialist in organizational development and behavior. Collins coined the term Level 5 leader based on his research of visionary companies. A Level 5 leader according to Collins is one who combines the paradoxical traits of personal humility and professional will. This does not mean that he or she is a weak person. On the contrary the professional will drives them to extraordinary lengths in order to benefit the organization. But at the same time they do not thrust themselves into the limelight. They are thinkers who know what is best for the company and then go about to deliver what is required. The question the paper explores is whether Hamlet was a genuine Level 5 leader or was he some other type of leader masking as a Level 5.

Key words: Level 5 leadership, leadership, crisis, organizational development.