Leadership in Conflict: Insights from Northern Ireland with Dr. Joanne Murphy

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Dr. Joanne Murphy is Chair of Inclusive Leadership at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. Her research explores leadership, change and organisational development in political volatility, including environments affected by ethno-political conflict. Her latest book is Management and War: How Organisations Navigate Conflict and Build Peace.

A Few Quotes From This Episode

• “I grew up in Northern Ireland and was part of this ‘troubles generation.’ That has defined, to a very large extent, the work that I do, because conflict and violence became a big part of my reality.”
• “What I’m really interested in—and I suppose the connective tissue through my work—is leadership. How do we get people to understand conflict and then lead them out of it?”
• “When we talk about things like war or these intractable, wicked problems, they seem to be more prevalent rather than less. And that’s why understanding conflict—and how leaders can help resolve it—matters so much.”

A Quote From Hume's Nobel Speech

• "All conflict is about difference, whether the difference is race, religion or nationality...Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace – respect for diversity."

Resources Mentioned in This Episode 

• Article: Leadership, liminality, and ‘wicked’ conflicts: John Hume and the untangling of the Northern Ireland ‘Troubles’ by Murphy
• Book: Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe
• Book: John Hume: A Biography by Paul Routledge
• Documentary: John Hume - Ireland's Greatest
• Book: The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

About The International Leadership Association (ILA)

• The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Plan for Prague - October 15-18, 2025!

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• The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your re

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