Introduction

In the modern business world, where there is a lot of complexity and dynamism, leaders are often called upon to make decisions that they may not have known before and require a higher philosophical perspective. This paper discusses two philosophical ideas: ontological humility and epistemic wisdom, and how they apply to business leadership and academic development. Ontological humility provides an effective way to deal with uncertainty because leaders acknowledge the fact that they know very little about reality (Krueger & Alba, 2022). The ability to connect knowledge to profound insights, ethical reasoning, and good judgment is known as epistemic wisdom and complements humility by helping leaders make wise and balanced decisions (Pauleen & Intezari, 2023).These qualities are especially crucial in the presence of cognitive barriers, including cognitive dissonance, that can impede the process of change and innovation by a leader. The evaluation will be designed in such a way that it establishes the meaning of ontological humility and its benefits in leadership and problem-solving. It will also look at how cognitive dissonance and other mental barriers may hinder business model innovation and change programs.The next point of discussion is the epistemic wisdom concept and its advantages, especially in making complex decisions. Lastly, the paper discusses how ontological humility and epistemic wisdom can be cultivated to improve critical thinking skills—a crucial ability that any doctoral student needs to develop in order to produce meaningful, evidence-supported scholarship and lead with integrity.

Ontological Humility

Definition

Ontological humility recognizes that one’s understanding of reality is limited, partial, and potentially flawed (Julio, 2020).

Benefits

Ontological humility encourages self-awareness because it teaches leaders to be aware of the boundaries of worldviews. Julio (2020) argues that ontological humility helps leaders stop, think, and make decisions based on greater appreciation.Ontologically humble leaders have a higher chance of including the voices and opinions of other people in the decision-making process. Openness promotes ethical leadership and builds trust and cooperation in organizations (Javed et al., 2020).Ontological humility enhances flexibility through enquiring, questioning, and tolerating uncertainty in unpredictable circumstances. Humble leaders can survive crises better since they are ready to change assumptions and modify strategies.Javed et al. (2020) discovered that ontological humility creates psychological safety and inclusive cultures in teams. Besides, it promotes lifelong learning by decreasing the fear of being mistaken and enhancing openness to feedback.Krueger and Alba (2022) suggested that ontological humility encourages leaders to think in systems and thus take into consideration the intricate relationships and dynamics. It also serves to reduce bias and overconfidence, which frequently result in strategic failure or ethical blind spots.Moreover, ontological humility enhances innovation by encouraging experimentation, humility in failure, and openness to alternative ways. Humble leadership yields greater employee participation, creativity, and long-term performance (Zhou & Wu, 2020). Such leaders create an atmosphere in which learning and development are more highly regarded than strict control.

Problem Solving

Ontological humility is an admission that there could be other valid views of truth or existence. Tourish (2020) argues that ontological humility assists leaders in avoiding overconfidence, as it embraces complexity and uncertainty.Leaders who practice ontological humility tend to be more open to feedback, learning, and adaptive decision-making. The virtue of humility helps leaders navigate ambiguity without having to rely solely on rigid models or prior experiences (Foulkrod & Lin, 2024).Ontological humility brings about intellectual openness and reflexivity in leaders struggling with complex issues. It encourages the inclusion of diverse perspectives and lived experiences in decision-making (Julio, 2020).It also contributes to curiosity, creativity, and innovation when formulating business strategies. By minimizing defensiveness, leaders can update their beliefs based on new evidence or realities.Ontologically humble leaders provide psychological safety that enhances team engagement and performance during challenges. Humility enables executives to identify systemic blind spots and avoid seeking simplistic solutions to complex issues.Foulkrod and Lin (2024) claimed that humility enables change by recognizing interconnectedness and systemic causation in problem-solving. It also ensures that leaders embrace experimentation and learning through trial and reflection.

Cognitive Barriers

Cognitive barriers are mental limitations that distort thinking and hinder rational decision-making. Cognitive dissonance occurs when individuals feel psychological discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or values (Yahya & Sukmayadi, 2020).Business leaders may resist change because new ideas conflict with existing mental models. This dissonance may cause them to reject innovative solutions that challenge their sense of competence or identity.Mercer and Karakowsky (2025) state that leaders may unconsciously sabotage change efforts to preserve their self-concept, creating resistance to transformation. High levels of dissonance can lead to rationalization, where leaders ignore evidence that contradicts prior achievements.This barrier reduces a leader’s willingness to take strategic risks or pursue transformative innovations. Since change requires psychological adaptability, cognitive dissonance reinforces narrow thinking and emotional avoidance (Mercer & Karakowsky, 2025).Leaders experiencing dissonance may become non-confrontational or inactive when faced with adaptive challenges. They may fail to recognize problems that oppose the status quo or organizational norms.Dissonance slows learning and makes feedback feel threatening rather than constructive (Yahya & Sukmayadi, 2020). Reflective practice and dialogue are essential for overcoming these barriers (Musaigwa, 2023).Ontological humility helps reduce ego defenses and fosters curiosity instead of certainty. Humble leaders are more willing to face discomfort and challenge assumptions to grow.Leaders who accept change in a humble and conscious manner are crucial for organizational success (Tourish, 2020). Thus, ontological humility and cognitive flexibility are vital in overcoming 21st-century business challenges.

Epistemic Wisdom

Definition

Epistemic wisdom is the ability to integrate knowledge, values, and judgment for balanced and ethical decision-making (Barrotta & Gronda, 2024).

Benefits

Epistemic wisdom enables leaders to understand complexity, context, and uncertainty in real-world situations. Sivakumar and Boon (2024) identify epistemic wisdom as a combination of intellectual humility and reflective insight.Wise leaders apply knowledge with understanding, self-awareness, and foresight. They evaluate multiple perspectives before making judgments, leading to inclusive and equitable leadership.Sivakumar and Boon (2024) emphasize that epistemic wisdom strengthens ethical reasoning in morally ambiguous situations. It also encourages openness to learning and adapting to new information.Wise leaders avoid impulsive actions and consider the broader social and ethical implications of their choices. Their strategic planning focuses on long-term, sustainable goals that balance competing stakeholder interests.Epistemic wisdom supports ethical leadership by aligning knowledge with values and shared purpose (Barrotta & Gronda, 2024). It promotes reflection, allowing leaders to analyze decisions and learn from consequences.Yahya and Sukmayadi (2020) note that wise thinking improves conflict and crisis management. Epistemic wisdom fosters flexibility in volatile, uncertain environments (Barrotta & Gronda, 2024).Organizations led by wise leaders tend to be more resilient and ethically grounded. Such leadership builds trust, engagement, and moral growth among employees (Wu, 2021).Transformational leadership is strengthened by epistemic wisdom, which aligns decisions with sustainability, integrity, and long-term vision. Thoughtful and compassionate leaders use wisdom to guide organizations responsibly.

Strengthening Critical Thinking Skills

Ontological humility allows individuals to recognize the limits of their knowledge and remain open to new perspectives—an essential foundation for critical thinking.Krueger and Alba (2022) found that humility encourages leaders to withhold judgment and listen actively, enhancing analytical depth. This mindset promotes intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of deeper truths.Sivakumar and Boon (2024) observed that humility improves tolerance for ambiguity and complex thinking. Meanwhile, epistemic wisdom integrates knowledge with moral reasoning, context, and foresight.Tourish (2020) notes that epistemic wisdom improves one’s ability to evaluate evidence and assess sources critically. Metacognitive thinkers—those who think about how they think—show enhanced self-awareness and better judgment.Pauleen and Intezari (2023) highlight that epistemic wisdom refines moral and strategic judgment. Together, epistemic wisdom and ontological humility cultivate the analytical rigor and objectivity required at the doctoral level.

According to Wu (2021), scholars who embody humility and wisdom engage in reflective inquiry and dialogue with integrity. These virtues empower leaders and researchers to question assumptions, navigate complex debates, and contribute meaningfully to academic and professional fields.

Conclusion

Ontological humility helps leaders understand the boundaries of knowledge and remain open to diverse perspectives. It enables curiosity, reflection, and feedback-driven problem-solving.Cognitive barriers like dissonance distort reasoning and hinder openness to innovation. To overcome these, reflective practice and willingness to challenge assumptions are essential.Epistemic wisdom allows leaders to make ethical, long-term, and balanced decisions. Together, ontological humility and epistemic wisdom strengthen critical thinking, resilience, and intellectual integrity in both academia and leadership.Leaders and scholars who embody these traits serve as role models of integrity, wisdom, and responsible stewardship of knowledge.

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