Thinking Differently about Leadership: A Critical History of Leadership Studies(New Horizons in Leadership Studies series)

Thinking Differently about Leadership asks why and how we have come to understand leadership in the way we now do, and the consequences which arise from these understandings. Its critical interrogation of Classical Greek, Medieval and modern social scientific ideas reveals that troubling assumptions and problematic expectations are key features of leadership theorizing both in the past and today. By tracing developments in leadership thought over time, this book reveals the influence of ideas from the past on current thinking, inviting reflection on what we now seek from leaders and followers. Its unique, multi-faceted analysis identifies non-scientific factors which have profoundly influenced the development of leadership science in the modern era. Arguing that conventional understandings of leadership today are deeply problematic, the book examines why we ought to think differently about leadership and offers an approach for so doing. The book offers a framework for leadership theory-building which readers can use to apply to their own context, making it an ideal resource for critical management and leadership scholars as well as students and practitioners who will value its novel focus and perspective.

Table of Contents:
Contents: 1. Why Leadership? 2. Questioning Leadership Knowledge 3. The Classical Greek Truth about Leadership 4. The 16th Century European Truth about Leadership 5. The Foundations of Leadership ‘Science’: Carlyle and the Trait Theorists 6. Our modern Era of Leadership ‘Science’ 7. Change and Continuity in the Truth about Leadership 8. Conclusion and Future Trajectories Index

About the Author :
Suze Wilson, Senior Lecturer, School of Management, Massey University, New Zealand

Review :
'The field of leadership studies is generally characterised as one that is in a state of late adolescence. This ambitious book shows compellingly that the field has a considerably lengthier and richer pedigree. We need to recognise, prioritise and instill a historical appreciation into our teaching and our research of leadership in the critically reflexive and genuinely inter-disciplinary manner that the author models so brilliantly in this wonderfully original book.' --Brad Jackson, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand'Much leadership writing seems to suggest that only those with super powers can be effective leaders and that, whatever the problem, leadership is the answer. Suze Wilson comprehensively demolishes both these fallacies, and does so in captivating style. In highlighting such issues as context, power and history she offers stimulating new perspectives on how we can rethink leadership - and do it better.' --Dennis Tourish, University of London, UK 'Have no doubt about it; there has never been a more appropriate time for scholars and educators in management and leadership studies to read Suze Wilson's Thinking Differently about Leadership: A Critical History of Leadership Studies. In the aftermath of the events of 2016, including, inter alia, 'Brexit', the US presidential election and the ongoing crisis in Syria, we have both a professional and civic duty to engage in discourse about our understanding and expectations of leadership. Wilson's book provides an important resource in this respect.' --Management Learning