Project Summary 

Purpose plays an increasingly important role in leadership and organisational success. While ikigai is widely recognised as a framework for living and working with purpose, there is limited research examining how it varies across different leadership populations. 

The first phase of this research analyses ikigai assessment data from approximately 2,500 CEOs, investigating relationships between purpose and demographic factors including age, gender, and country. The findings will provide quantitative insights into how purpose is experienced across diverse organisational and cultural contexts. 

The second phase focuses on adapting the existing assessment tool for managers and corporate cultures so it can also support students and Laidlaw Scholars as they discover purpose in their future careers. 

Methodology 

Using quantitative statistical analysis, survey analytics and psychometric assessment, the first phase will examine correlations between ikigai scores and demographic variables across the manager dataset. The second phase will build on these findings the refine the assessment, creating a more accessible and sustainable tool for leadership development, organisational use, and higher education. 

Expected Outcomes 

The research aims to identify meaningful patterns in how purpose differs across demographic and cultural groups while producing an adapted assessment that supports both current leaders and future professionals. The project will contribute to a stronger evidence base for using ikigai as a practical framework for leadership and career development. 

Potential Impact

By combining empirical research with practical application, this project seeks to make purpose assessment more accessible across organisations and universities. Ultimately, it aims to help leaders, students, and emerging professionals better understand and cultivate purpose throughout their careers.