Abstract

Knowledge leadership is pertinent for human capital development and nation building. Family as a pillar of the society should play a pivotal role in developing a knowledge society or the culture of knowledge in the Malay society. Thus, this qualitative research was done by using a grounded theory approach to develop a model on knowledge leadership in the Malay families. The primary data were collected through in-depth elite interviews with the award winner of the national exemplary mother or Ibu Mithālī and the children of Ibu Mithālī. Document analysis and observations were also done as a part of data collection methods. The data were then analyzed using thematic analysis. Finally, it was developed into a model of knowledge leadership in the Ibu Mithālī’s family. The model of knowledge leadership in family composed of three themes: learning excitement, teaching excitement and knowledge empowerment. Learning excitement encompasses one’s attitude and excitement in searching for knowledge. Teaching excitement comprises of one’s excitement in sharing her/his knowledge with the family and society. Knowledge empowerment incorporates one’s effort in supporting and empowering the culture of learning in the family and society. Therefore, the model of knowledge leadership in the family displayed by Ibu Mithālī and her family can be used as a catalyst for human empowerment and nation building. This model thus serves as an important aspect of self-development amongst women to promote betterment via knowledge leadership in their family, organization and society.