Leadership Renaissance: The Four Bases of Power and Modern Leaders Leadership Renaissance: The Four Bases of Power and Modern Leaders

Abstract

This academic article aimed to examine the problem of leadership development in the context of contemporary society, which was characterized by complexity, uncertainty, and rapid change. Prevailing leadership approaches had primarily emphasized external competencies and ideal moral principles but lacked a systematic framework that explained the “internal mechanisms of practical success.” Therefore, this article aimed to analyze the Four Bases of Success (Iddhipāda IV) as a Buddhist conceptual framework for leadership development and to synthesize its integration with modern management principles. This study employed documentary research by analyzing data from the Tipiṭaka, commentaries, and contemporary studies on leadership. It applied an integrative conceptual framework linking Iddhipāda IV with modern leadership theories, particularly in terms of intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, and analytical thinking. The findings revealed that Iddhipāda IV comprising Chanda (aspiration), Viriya (perseverance), Citta (focused attention), and Vimamsa (analytical wisdom) could be interpreted as an internal mechanism for leadership development. These principles were found to align with key characteristics of modern leaders, including visionary commitment, diligence, responsibility, and wise decision-making. Moreover, they could be applied as a process-oriented tool that led to both effective performance and ethical outcomes. In conclusion, the integration of Iddhipāda IV with modern management concepts represented a systematic and practical framework for leadership development. It was applicable to contemporary organizational contexts and contributed to sustainable success.