Neuroscience and Leadership: Leadership for Authentic Intelligence (Lai)

June 23, 2026

Neuroscience and Leadership: Leadership for Authentic Intelligence (Lai)

Caroline Joel-Munenge | 2025

Abstract

This thesis focuses on theory development by examining and discussing psychological theories to create a theoretical framework that integrates the factors that influence our thinking, personalities, and how they relate to the SCARF model (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness) and self-leadership, and to assess whether they are valid, when they are applicable, and to what extent. Do expectations influence reality? What mental maps do self-led individuals embrace? Drawing on research, this work aims to explore the causal inferences underlying an individual leader’s neuro-systems and address the neurodivergences that challenge leadership. Neuroscience, Spirituality, Self-Leadership, and their intersections are discussed in detail herein. Neuroscience explains the concepts of how we feel, act, or think, thereby providing insights into the malleability of the brain (neuroplasticity). The Spiritual perspective broadens the ‘why’ of existence, focusing on the sense of purpose and the values that activate the brain regions towards achieving a common good. Self-Leadership explores the practical application of meaning derived from a spiritual perspective, designed through mechanisms constructed from the neuroscience viewpoint.

Request Information

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Online or On Campus*

Online

On Campus

On Campus Degree Type*

Online Degree Type*

Choose a Program*

This program is designed for registered nurses looking to advance their degree. A valid, unencumbered RN license is required to apply.

RN License Confirmation*

I currently hold a valid RN license

Don't have your RN license yet? Explore other Regent programs.

High School Graduation*

Are you an employee or the spouse/dependent of an employee?*

Employee

Spouse/Dependent

Are you a JCI USA member or benefitted employee, or the spouse/dependent of an employee?*

Employee/Member

Spouse/Dependent

Email Address*

Company*

Agency*

Employee's Company*

Employee's Agency*

Company Email Address*

Agency Email Address*

Your Email Address*

Employee's Company Email Address*

Employee's Agency Email Address*

Employee's First Name*

Employee/Member's First Name*

Employee's Last Name*

Employee/Member's Last Name*

Your Email Address*

First Name*

Last Name*

I live outside the US

Address*