Leadership and social integration in post-conflict reconstruction of Somalia

• Main Author: Hussein, Abdisamad Hassan
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: HM Sociology.
• Online Access: https://etd.uum.edu.my/9044/1/s901807_01.pdf; https://etd.uum.edu.my/9044/2/s901807_02.pdf; https://etd.uum.edu.my/9044/3/s901807_references.docx; https://etd.uum.edu.my/9044/
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

Despite the existence of voluminous studies related to post-conflict reconstruction (PCR) and leadership, the concept of leadership style adaptation for social integration in PCR is rarely discussed in the PCR literature. Leadership style adaptation and social integration are still new in studies on the current post-conflict status of Somalia. A literature review suggests a gap in leadership and the prevailing situation of social integration in Somalia. To fill these knowledge gaps, an exploratory qualitative study was carried out. The objectives of the research were set to explore the current social integration situation and how the context of disintegration was created by previous leadership personality failure. The study was also an attempt to examine the practices that led to the failure of previous leaders, identify the suitable style needed for the present leadership to adopt towards social integration and suggest a new way of improving the integration of Somalia through appropriate leadership style. The qualitative approach as applied enabled the researcher to achieve the objectives of the study. Also, the qualitative interview enabled effective consultations and suggestions for improving the practice of leadership in Somalia. Specifically, as stated in the research, questions and objectives developed based on qualitative methods were used to collect data from the participants. In analysing the data, thematic method was used. The results obtained suggests that leadership personality failure was a major factor in the social disintegration of Somalia. Further, it was discovered that the Islamic leadership style has the potential for social integration if appropriately adapted. The study, therefore, recommends that Islamic leadership that promotes broader public participation, overcomes the socio-economic hardships and adopts a neutral foreign policy that does not interfere in the affairs of other countries has a better chance of attaining social integration and succeeding the country’s ongoing post-conflict reconstruction process. The study concludes that social integration in Somalia is attainable with appropriate leadership personality and style adaptation.