Abstract
Facing escalating volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), new paradigms that embrace systemic dynamism are needed to address leadership perspectives. This paper posits Complex Adaptive Leadership (CAL) as a viable theoretical framework to address the dynamism which the VUCA environment demands. Tracing its evolution from complexity theory to contemporary applications. the study argues that CAL’s emphasis on flexibility, decentralized decision-making, and emergent innovation equips organisations to thrive in chaos. Alternative perspectives, including critiques of competing models, are examined to present a balanced discourse. The study concludes with implications for practice and future research, advocating for CAL’s integration into modern leadership perspectives.