Sensitivity and Courage: A Social and Cultural Analysis of Esther 4:13–5:8

Esther provides an opportunity to study female leadership through a Christian perspective, highlighting how to rise to leadership from a position which inherently has little influence (Davidson, 2013). By using her social sensitivity and self-control, Esther finds the courage to self-promote and save the Jews of Persia. Through a social and cultural textural study of the King James Version of Esther 4:13–5:8, an example of spiritual, female leadership will be provided to leaders of contemporary organizations. Additionally, it will be proposed that social sensitivity be tested and added to the definition of transformational leadership to evolve the understanding of effective leadership in organizations.