Unveiling the Hidden Curriculum of Transformational Leadership: A Novel Paradigm for Future Organisational Learning

Abstract

This paper critiques traditional approaches to organisational learning and transformational change, which often rely heavily on past experiences and knowledge, overlooking today's environment dynamic, implicit, and evolving nature. These conventional methods fail to address challenges posed by the hidden curriculum of leadership, which significantly shapes organisational behaviour. In response, the paper introduces a conceptual model integrating organisational learning and transformational
leadership within a future-driven learning framework. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from organisational studies, leadership theories, systems theory, and cognitive science, it argues that the hidden curriculum of transformational leadership can provide a foundation for fostering future-oriented learning and transformational change practices. The study proposes a paradigm shift in organisational learning, where leaders’ implicit values, behaviours, and practices drive sustainable change by learning from future potentials. By focusing on the hidden curriculum, this paper goes beyond the limitations of traditional, reactive learning approaches, illustrating how leaders’ implicit lessons can shape a forward-thinking organisational culture. It offers new insights into how organisations can better adapt to emerging challenges by leveraging
leadership’s implicit teachings and embracing a more proactive, future-focused approach to learning and transformation.