Modi’s Leadership Model: Embracing Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership

Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power—it is about influencing, inspiring, and enabling others to act toward a shared goal. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as a globally recognized leader whose governance style blends traditional Indian values with bold, reform-oriented strategies. His leadership can be effectively analysed through Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, a model grounded in decades of empirical research and global leadership case studies [1].

These five practices—Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart—offer a comprehensive framework for understanding how leaders mobilize people and drive change [2]. This report examines how Modi’s leadership aligns with each of these principles, drawing on real-world examples and scholarly insights [1-5].

Definition: Leaders clarify their values and set an example through consistent actions [2].

Modi’s alignment

• Personal discipline: Modi’s image as a self-made leader, rising from humble beginnings as a tea seller, resonates with the Indian public.
• Symbolic leadership: He swept the streets during the launch of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, reinforcing the dignity of labour.
• Cultural identity: Modi’s consistent use of traditional Indian attire and promotion of yoga and Ayurveda reflect his alignment with Indian values.
• Transparency and simplicity: He has often emphasized the importance of minimalism in public life, such as living modestly and avoiding ostentation.

Additional examples

• Modi’s public fasts and participation in religious festivals demonstrate his alignment with the values of the majority population.
• His decision to avoid nepotism in political appointments reinforces meritocracy and ethical governance.

Definition: Leaders envision the future and enlist others in a common purpose [2].

Modi’s alignment

• National campaigns: Make in India, Digital India, and Startup India are visionary programs designed to transform India into a self-reliant, tech-driven economy.
• Mass communication: Modi utilizes platforms such as Mann Ki Baat and social media to communicate directly with citizens, reinforcing shared goals.
• Emotional connection: His speeches frequently evoke national pride, unity, and a sense of historical legacy, appealing to collective aspirations and emotions.

Additional examples

• The New India by 2022 vision aimed to eliminate poverty, corruption, and terrorism, creating a roadmap for inclusive development.
• Modi’s call for a “5 Trillion Dollar Economy” by 2025 has become a rallying cry for economic transformation.

Definition: Leaders seek innovative ways to improve and take risks to change the status quo [2].

Modi’s alignment

• Demonetization (2016): Aimed at curbing black money and promoting digital payments, this bold move disrupted the financial system.
• GST reform: The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax unified India’s complex tax structure, streamlining commerce.
• Article 370 revocation: Modi’s decision to revoke Jammu & Kashmir’s special status was a historic and controversial step toward national integration.

Additional examples

• The Aadhaar digital identity system was expanded under Modi to streamline welfare delivery and reduce corruption.
• The Agni Path military recruitment reform introduced short-term service to modernize the armed forces and reduce pension burdens.

Definition: Leaders foster collaboration and empower others by building trust and competence [2].

Modi’s alignment

• Jan Dhan Yojana: Over 400 million bank accounts were opened, promoting financial inclusion for the underprivileged.
• Ujjwala Yojana: Provided clean cooking fuel to over 90 million rural women, improving health and reducing household labour.
• Skill India Mission: Trains youth in vocational skills to enhance employability and economic independence.

Additional Examples

• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the daughter, Educate the daughter) empowers women through education and awareness initiatives.
• PM-KISAN provides direct income support to farmers, enabling them to invest in agriculture and reduce dependency on intermediaries.

Definition: Leaders recognize contributions and celebrate values and victories [2].

Modi’s alignment

• Mann Ki Baat: This monthly radio program highlights stories of everyday heroes, reinforcing national values and community spirit.
• Public Recognition: Modi frequently honours soldiers, sanitation workers, and healthcare professionals in his speeches.
• Symbolic Unity: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi encouraged citizens to light lamps and applaud frontline workers, fostering emotional solidarity.

Additional Examples

• Modi’s letters to Olympic athletes and Padma awardees reflect his appreciation for individual excellence.
• His visits to disaster-hit areas and interactions with affected citizens show empathy and emotional engagement

Narendra Modi’s leadership style aligns closely with Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. He models values through personal discipline and symbolic acts, inspires a shared vision with ambitious national goals, challenges the process through bold reforms, enables others to act via inclusive policies, and encourages the heart by celebrating citizen contributions. His leadership exemplifies how these five practices can be effectively applied in a complex and diverse democracy to drive large-scale transformation.

1. Kouzes J M and Posner B Z (2017) The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations (6th Ed.). Jossey-Bass.
2. Palmerston North Boys' High School. (n.d.) Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership.
3. Panda JP (2016) Narendra Modi and his mode of governance. Journal of Asian Public Policy, 9:95–97.
4. Modh S and Modh S (2022) Narendra Modi: A Case Study of Servant Leadership. In The Palgrave Handbook of Servant Leadership.
5. Thiruppathi KT and Arunachalam P (2023) Indian Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi Ji and His Style of Leadership: Great, Heady Progress. Humanities 11: 106-111.