Nuts About Leadership 2025, 1, 158–166. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15001305 www.zenodo.org Research Proposal Navigating Global Leadership Dysfunctionality Alireza Hejazi 1 1 alirhej@mail.regent.edu Abstract: This post-doctoral research proposal aims to explore the systemic dysfunctionality of con- temporary global leadership. It will develop a systematic framework for a ‘global leadership’ agenda. The study will address two key research questions: (1) What are the root causes of contemporary global leadership dysfunctionality? and (2) What are the building blocks of a systematic ‘global lead- ership’ agenda? Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research will integrate qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, including surveys, interviews, case studies, and document analysis. The Current Reality Tree (CRT) approach within the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Sys- tems Thinking (ST) frameworks will be utilized to identify critical success factors for effective lead- ership. Additionally, the Theory of Constraints (TOC) will guide the analysis of systemic barriers that hinder effective governance. Expected outcomes include a comprehensive identification of root causes contributing to leadership dysfunctionality, the development of a systematic framework for global leadership, and actionable recommendations for policy and practice changes. This research holds significant theoretical implications by enhancing existing leadership theories and providing practical guidelines for practitioners and policymakers aimed at improving global leadership effec- tiveness. Keywords: dysfunctionality; effective change; global leadership; governance; systematic framework 1. Introduction Contemporary global leadership faces a multitude of challenges that hinder effective governance and the achievement of international goals. Issues such as political polariza- tion, economic inequality, and environmental crises have exacerbated the dysfunctionality of leadership at various levels. 1 The rise of populism and authoritarianism has further complicated the landscape, leading to a decline in trust in traditional institutions and lead- ers. 2 These dynamics create an urgent need for a reevaluation of leadership paradigms to foster collaboration and collective action in addressing global issues. The importance of addressing leadership dysfunctionality cannot be overstated. Dys- functional leadership undermines efforts to tackle pressing global challenges such as cli- mate change, public health crises, and social justice. 3 Without effective leadership, initia- tives aimed at achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) risk falling short. A systematic approach to understanding the root causes of these dysfunc- tions is essential for developing strategies that promote ethical, practical, and effective leadership practices on a global scale. 4 The proposed study aims to fill a critical gap in the existing literature by investigating the root causes of contemporary global leadership dysfunctionality and identifying the building blocks of a systematic ‘global leadership’ agenda. By employing methodologies such as CRT within RCA and ST, this research will provide a comprehensive framework for analyzing the complexities of global leadership challenges. 5 The significance of this research lies in its potential impact on both leadership prac- tices and global governance. By identifying critical success factors for effective leadership, the study will offer actionable insights for leaders across sectors—governmental, non- governmental, and corporate—aiming to enhance their capacity to navigate complex global issues. Furthermore, this research could inform policy recommendations that pro- mote collaborative governance models, ultimately contributing to more resilient and Citation Hejazi, A. (2025). Navigating Global Leadership Dysfunctionality. Nuts About Leadership, 2(1), 158–166. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15001305 Published: 2025-01-15 Copyright © 2025 by author. Submitted for possible open-access publication under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/license s/by/4.0/).