Lived Experiences and Meaning-Making in Interest Rate Policy Decisions under Geopolitical Crises
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Abstract
This study explores the underexamined human experiences of central bank officials in interest rate decision-making during geopolitical crises. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight senior officials from Southeast Asian central banks, and the data were thematically analyzed. The findings reveal three key themes: the weight of policy dilemmas under uncertainty, the tension between national and international mandates, and the cultivation of emotional resilience. These insights highlight the psychological and ethical dimensions of monetary governance, demonstrating how phenomenological inquiry provides a more human-centered perspective with implications for leadership development and future research in global finance.
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