From a Boss to a Leader? Transformations of Representational Leadership in the Arab-Bedouin Minority in Israel

The meaning of leadership for educated young bedouin men

“…Israel's Bedouins are a society in transition, undergoing an accelerated process of change in recent years that has weakened the institutions of traditional leadership and has introduced a different type of leadership that derives its authority from law and the office (Alsraiha, 2020). Bedouin society is relatively young, and like other traditional societies in which younger members are excluded from leadership roles on the grounds that they are not sufficiently mature, this society has no place for young leaders (Asante et al, 2021).…”

“…This ensures adherence to traditional norms and values, even in the context of life in a Western-oriented country. In the past, traditional Bedouin leaders were the mediators with the authorities—the Ottoman Empire, the British Mandate, and the State of Israel in its early decades (Al-Krenawi and Graham, 1997; Alsraiha, 2020).…”

“…The new generation relies on governance and public administration and is chosen in democratic elections. This democracy-based leadership has enabled the strengthening of the political power and official processes to achieve social, economic, and political goals for the entire Bedouin population (Alsraiha, 2020).…”

“…Israeli authorities no longer recognize the traditional leadership as the municipal authority. In addition, a new generation of Bedouin leaders has arisen and is demanding recognition and legitimization of its authority to represent Bedouin society (Alsraiha, 2020). The new generation relies on governance and public administration and is chosen in democratic elections.…”