TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN MYTHOLOGY: ODYSSEUS AND OGUZ KAGAN COMPARED

Authors : Gökmen Durmuş, Abdulkadir Aksoy

Pages : 114-142

Doi:10.35408/comuybd.1478092

View : 128 | Download : 129

Publication Date : 2025-01-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this research is to examine the Odyssey and Oguz Kagan epics with a focus on transformational leadership theory (TLT). It compares the responses of the epic heroes, Odysseus and Oguz Kagan, to the events that they encountered. It also evaluates the heroes based on the adjectives used to describe them. Both epics were analyzed with the help of descriptive content analysis and comparative narrative analysis techniques. It was found that the Odyssey contained 39 cases of exemplary leadership whilst Oguz Kagan contained 54. Upon closer examination of the characteristics attributed to each leader, it was observed that Odysseus had 17 apparent characteristics while Oguz Kagan had 16; among these characteristics, strategic thinking, bravery, handsomeness, and nobility were common to both heroes. From the perspective of TLT dimensions, Odysseus stands out in terms of idealized influence, and Oguz Kagan in intellectual stimulation. Among the leadership traits that constitute the dimensions, problem solving, change orientation, ethical values, and mentorship constitute the main four qualities that both heroes have in common. It has been found that the core values that are authentic to heroes include bringing solutions to the challenging situations that they encounter; not deviating from their moral paths while doing so; and being able to set examples to their followers in every way and shedding light on them. As a result of the analysis, by looking at all the cases in the associated epics, both Odysseus and Oğuz Kağan can be explained via transformational leadership theory. In this sense, both heroes are charismatic characters with strong problem-solving abilities, the ability to manage change, an adherence to ethical values, and good mentoring skills. As a result, this comparative study makes a modest contribution to a deeper understanding of leadership theory and practice by benefiting from the rich mythology and folklore texture of different civilizations.
Keywords : Bilgelik Edebiyatı, Odysseus, Oğuz Kağan, Destan, Dönüşümcü Liderlik Teorisi