(Mind)full fart framåt - En studie om mindfulness, ledarskap och handelshögskolestudenter i en föränderlig tid

Sammanfattning: The development of digitalization and globalization is increasing the external pressure on leaders. To help leaders operate in this context, the concepts of mindfulness, emotional intelligence and self-compassion have developed and grown in popularity in academia and among companies over recent decades. This despite, the concepts have not gained foothold in the institutions aiming to train the leaders of the future: the business schools. This study examines the effects of a two-week long mindfulness program on business school students. An intervention is conducted and evaluated using a multi-method approach. Qualitative data, gathered using in-depth interviews, are combined with quantitative data from self-report measurement scales to understand the effects of the intervention. These effects are then analyzed using a model developed from the most prominent leadership theories in emotional intelligence, self-compassion and mindfulness. The empirical findings show that the business school students experience a range of effects from the intervention. The following analysis then shows that these effects are strengthening the emotional intelligence and self-compassion dimensions of 'self-leadership', i.e. the ability to lead oneself. Through these findings, the study strengthens the research in leadership that is concerned with the intersect between mindfulness, emotional intelligence and self-compassion. The study hence help closing a knowledge gap with importance for both business schools and the leaders of today and tomorrow.