Madrassa and Leadership Crisis in South Asia: An Ethnographic Study on Madrassas in Pakistan

Leadership is an ongoing process, not an event, nor just an implementation of a program, and neither simply the articulation or inspiration of a unique idea (Smith, 1996). And given that it occurs only when people intentionally seek to influence others, it must be understood to be an episodic process (p. 283). Muslims all over the world are facing new and diverse challenges because of advancements in technology, information systems, and globalization. These challenges require new and diverse leadership practices that may need continuous assessment. Clawson (2006) describes vision as day dream that demands mental exercise. Like physical exercise, it is hard work. In this effort leaders must stretch their thinking, stretch their view and basic assumptions about what could be. Leaders must be innovative, clear, detailed and passionate about their held vision. A visionary leader may look ahead, and ‘visualize’ ultimate goals, use his dream or idea to communicate with the outside world, would be followers – as key element of his/her leadership style. Leader’s vision is a snapshot of mental, emotional and verbal picture of his core values. Vision does not result from the ‘right answer’ – it is a question of desire, faith, and values (Clawson – 2006, pp210).