1 Asian Journal of Business Research ISSN 1178-8933 Special Issue 2015 DOI 10.14707/ajbr.140011 Leadership and Knowledge Sharing Robert Bradshaw De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH Mondher Chebbi De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH Hulya Oztel De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH Abstract Knowledge processes and leadership and management have both been central to discussions within the academic literature. While the number of empirical studies looking at the interaction between these dimensions has been limited. Within this study structural equation modelling using SMART PLS is utilised to identify the implications when determining the most effective leadership styles for achieving knowledge transfer. It was found that a combined leadership approach was the most effective when considering knowledge processes through the SECI model. The study contributes to the literature by allowing us to identify specific leadership style attributes being matched to specific knowledge process stages for achieving maximum impact. The study also allowed us to test empirically the suitability of the leadership and knowledge constructs within the UAE. Keywords: Middle East, Leadership styles, knowledge processes. Introduction One of the most cited elements of leadership that contributes to knowledge sharing in schools is the style of the leader (Leithwood et al., 1999). A leadership style is the behaviour a leader exhibits while guiding organizational members in appropriate directions (Certo and Certo, 2006). Leaders improve their style over a period of time due to experience, education, and training. For many years HRM researchers have tried to explain how leaders’ style or behaviour relates to effectiveness (Dessler, 2004). Transformational leadership has been demonstrated as an effective leadership style in leading schools (Leithwood et al., 1999), having been shown to have a significant influence on subordinates’ behaviour and organizational outcomes (Tickle et al, 2005). This study makes several important contributions to the existing literature and knowledge. First of all, it integrates two previously relatively disparate fields of