Leadership Theory is designed specifically for use in undergraduate or graduate classrooms providing a comprehensive overview of essential theories informing the leadership studies knowledgebase. The text infuses critical perspectives in a developmental manner that guides readers through increasingly complex ways in which theory can be deconstructed and reconstructed to enhance practice and advance social justice. The book uses compelling examples, critically reflective questions, and multiple approaches to concept illustration to cultivate readers' abilities to engage as critical learners. At the heart of this are powerful counter-narratives offering a range of insights on the challenges and rewards of leadership. Narratives represent accomplished leaders from across a broad range of fields including Eboo Patel, Mary Morten, Felice Gorordo, and more. The facilitator's guide and instructor's website supplement this with case studies, sample syllabi, structured dialogues, and learning activities tied to each chapter.
Leadership texts tend to limit application of theory to a singular disciplinary context, omit important ways in which research evolves the understanding of theory, and/or lack critical evaluation of theories which diminishes the ability to translate theory to practice. This book provides a much-needed solution to these issues.
- Learn the nature, origin, and evolution of specific theories
- Understand and apply leadership theories using critical perspectives
- Consider the influences of ethics and justice, social location, and globalization
The rapid expansion of leadership programs has thrown the dearth of suitable primary texts into sharp relief. Instructors forced to cobble together course materials from multiple piecemeal sources will find their much-needed solution in Leadership Theory.
Table of Contents
List of Tables and Figures xi
Preface xv
Acknowledgments xxv
About the Author xxix
1. The Evolving Nature of Leadership 1
Why Study Leaders and Leadership? 2
What Is Leadership? 3
Mapping the Definitional Terrain 4
Chapter Summary 23
2. Critical Perspectives as Interpretative Frameworks 29
Letting Go of Theoretical Certainty 30
What Is Critical Social Theory? 31
Central Themes of Critical Social Theory 33
Using Critical Perspectives as Interpretative Tools 42
Essential Preparation for Applying Critical Perspectives 49
Benefits of Using Critical Perspectives 52
Chapter Summary 53
3. Interpreting Leadership Theory Using Critical Perspectives 57
Critical Social Theory and Leadership 57
Evolution of Formal Leadership Theory 58
Implicit Leadership Theory 72
Chapter Summary 82
4. Person-Centered Theories 85
Trait-Based Leadership 85
The Leadership Challenge Model 90
Emotionally Intelligent Leadership 94
Strengths-Based Leadership 98
Deconstruction of Person-Centered Theories 104
Reconstruction of Person-Centered Theories 109
Chapter Summary 113
5. Theories of Production and Effectiveness 117
Style Theory 117
Situational Leadership 125
Path-Goal Theory 132
Deconstruction of Theories of Production and Effectiveness 138
Reconstruction of Theories of Production and Effectiveness 143
Chapter Summary 147
6. Group-Centered Theories 151
Leader-Member Exchange Theory 151
Team Leadership 160
Shared Leadership 169
Deconstruction of Group-Centered Theories 176
Reconstruction of Group-Centered Theories 180
Chapter Summary 185
7. Theories of Transformation 189
Transforming/Transformational Leadership 189
Servant Leadership 197
The Social Change Model of Leadership Development 206
Deconstruction Theories of Transformation 215
Reconstruction Theories of Transformation 219
Chapter Summary 222
8. Relationship-Centered Theories 227
Connective Leadership 228
The Relational Leadership Model 236
Relational Leadership Philosophies 241
Deconstruction of Relationship-Centered Theories 249
Reconstruction of Relationship-Centered Theories 252
Chapter Summary 254
9. Vanguard Theories 257
Authentic Leadership 257
Adaptive Leadership 265
Complexity Leadership Theory 276
Deconstruction of Vanguard Theories 283
Reconstruction of Vanguard Theories 289
Chapter Summary 292
10. Toward a Justice-Based Leadership Model 297
Strategic Social Change Leadership 298
Deconstruction and Reconstruction of Strategic Social Change Leadership 306
Chapter Summary 307
11. Integration and the Path Forward 313
Emergent Themes Across Leadership Theories 314
The Interconnection of Leadership Theory and Development 322
Closing Thoughts 327
References 331
Name Index 361
Subject Index 371
