..., the authors found integrity to be a superordinate value – without which the remaining values have far less significance. Originality/value – This research highlights a leadership paradox – while managerial traits are an important consideration for the prevailing operational context in the short term...

.../methodology/approach Through an in‐depth analysis of the principles of Taoism, and the concepts of leadership studies, it establishes a Taoism‐oriented model of leadership to integrate the current major schools of leadership studies. Findings The model of traits of successful leaders based on Taoism has...