scholarly journals ‘No More Heroes’: Critical Perspectives on Leadership Romanticism

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1625-1647 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Collinson ◽  
Owain Smolović Jones ◽  
Keith Grint
Keyword(s):  
Authentic Leadership ◽  
Leadership Theory ◽  
Leadership Studies ◽  
Critical Approach ◽  
Leadership Theories ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Romance Of Leadership ◽  
Positive Engagement ◽  
Critical Perspectives

This paper revisits Meindl et al’s (1985) ‘romance of leadership’ thesis and extends these ideas in a number of inter-related ways. First, it argues that the thesis has sometimes been neglected and/or misinterpreted in subsequent studies. Second, the paper suggests that romanticism is a much broader and more historically rich term with wider implications for leadership studies than originally proposed. Arguing that romanticism stretches beyond leader attribution, we connect leadership theory to a more enduring and naturalistic tradition of romantic thought that has survived and evolved since the mid-18th century. Third, the paper demonstrates the contemporary relevance of the romanticism critique. It reveals how the study of leadership continues to be characterized by romanticizing tendencies in many of its most influential theories, illustrating this argument with reference to spiritual and authentic leadership theories, which only recognize positive engagement with leaders. Equally, the paper suggests that romanticism can shape conceptions not only of leaders, but also of followers, their agency and their (potential for) resistance. We conclude by discussing future possible research directions for the romanticism critique that extend well beyond its original focus on leader attribution to inform a broader critical approach to leadership studies.

The price of wearing (or not wearing) the crown: The effects of loneliness on leaders and followers

Leadership ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 389-410
Author(s):  
Anthony Silard ◽  
Sarah Wright
Keyword(s):  
Authentic Leadership ◽  
Leadership Behaviors ◽  
Leadership Role ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Leadership Theories ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Organizational Settings ◽  
Leaders And Followers ◽  
Critical Perspectives

Loneliness has become a complex, ubiquitous problem in organizations. We review the research on loneliness in leader and follower roles and develop propositions related to understanding loneliness in organizational settings. Utilizing critical perspectives on leadership to better understand this phenomenon, we propose that loneliness is more emergent when leaders are either new to the leadership role or enact more “transformational,” “transactional,” or “authentic” leadership behaviors. Our analysis sheds light on the dark side of these popular leadership theories, especially with respect to the lack of development of high-quality relationships—and the resultant loneliness of both leaders and followers—in organizations stewarded by such leaders. We discuss implications and suggestions for future research.

scholarly journals The mediating role of hotel employees’ job satisfaction and performance in the relationship between authentic leadership and organizational performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-110
Author(s):  
Marija Kaštelan Mrak ◽  
Sanda Grudić Kvasić
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Authentic Leadership ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Leadership Theory ◽  
Positive Leadership ◽  
Organizational Behaviour ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
And Performance

Authentic leadership is a positive leadership theory, conceptualized under the influence of positive psychology and positive organizational behaviour movement. Although it has become a recognized leadership theory, it is still somewhat neglected in the hospitality literature. To address this gap, the paper seeks to develop and test a conceptual model linking authentic leadership to organizational performance in the hospitality context. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical multiple regression analysis on a sample of 226 employees from 24 hotels in Croatia. The research results confirmed the positive impact of authentic leadership on hotels’ operational performance, which was mediated by followers’ job satisfaction and performance. There was no empirical support for the hypothesized impact of authentic leadership on hotels’ financial performance. The findings suggest that authentic leadership behaviours, together with positive organisational settings, characterized by flexible organizational structure, are more likely to enhance desirable employees’ attitudes and behaviours, resulting in improved organizational performance.

scholarly journals Critical Perspectives on Digital Literacies: Creating a Path Forward

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Hiller A. Spires
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Digital Literacies ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Strong Case ◽  
Digital Skills ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Theory Research ◽  
Media And Communication ◽  
Critical Perspectives

This thematic issue of <em>Media and Communication</em> features a range of critical perspectives on digital literacies with the aim of shedding light on a path forward with respect to theory, research and practice. The issue hosts fourteen articles divided into four themes that address digital literacies in varying ways. The four themes are (a) defining digital literacies, (b) socio-cultural theories of digital literacies, (c) digital literacies in practice, and (d) digital skills and efficacy. The articles make a strong case for the continued exploration of the significance and (re)definition of digital literacies within our global communicative landscape. The authors have inspired new dialogue, research directions, innovative practices, and policy on digital literacies. As digital technologies continue to evolve so too will intellectual frameworks—generating nuance and scope for and by researchers as well as practitioners.

scholarly journals Intergalactic Leadership: Practical Tips for Leading Where No One Has Gone Before

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peg A Lonnquist
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Women Leaders ◽  
Research Productivity ◽  
Leadership Practices ◽  
Leadership Theory ◽  
Leadership Theories ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Multicultural Leadership ◽  
Feminist Leadership ◽  
Successful Leaders

Most of the transformational, inclusive, partnership leadership literature, while brilliant and inspirational, does not provide day-to-day ideas for practitioners. Drawing on several key leadership theories and theorists (Kouzes and Posner’s five core behaviors of successful leaders, the Athena Model based on research on women leaders, Centered Leadership from the McKinsey Project, the Research-Productivity and Engagement Model, Burn’s and Bass’ Transformational Leadership Theory, Riane Eisler’s partnership leadership, multicultural leadership theorist Juana Bordas, and feminist leadership theorists), the author describes how she has translated and implemented day-to-day leadership practices which she calls Intergalactic Leadership.

The new wave of leadership studies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Abson
Keyword(s):  
New Wave ◽  
Leadership Studies ◽  
Leadership Theories ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Moral Nature ◽  
Leadership Research

In their comprehensive review of leadership research, Dionne et al. (2014) identify 29 different thematic categories of leadership theories, developed over 100 years; 17 are ‘classic’ leadership categories, and 12 are classified as emerging. Dinh et al. (2014) note seven emerging theories in their review and in their examination of recent theoretical and empirical developments, while Avolio, Walumbwa and Weber (2009) note 13 significant areas of new inquiry into leadership. These studies indicate that there has been a focus shift in leadership studies, which represents a diversification of thinking around how leadership occurs, and what leadership actually is. In particular, scholars have begun to focus on the moral nature of leaders, suggesting that leaders now need to be concerned with issues of ethics and morality (Lemoine, Hartnell & Leroy, 2019).

Trigger events and crucibles in authentic leaders' development

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark R. Shannon ◽  
Maurice Buford ◽  
Bruce E. Winston ◽  
James Andy Wood
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Authentic Leadership ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Leadership Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moral Perspective ◽  
Authentic Leadership Theory ◽  
Authentic Leadership Development ◽  
Trigger Events

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the role of trigger events and leadership crucibles in the lives of authentic leaders. The study was based on two theories: authentic leadership theory and born versus made theory.Design/methodology/approachParticipants were included in the study if they scored between 64 and 80 on the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire (ALQ). The qualified leaders were then asked to participate in a qualitative interview utilizing an interview guide born out of the relevant literature. The interview followed the guidelines of the Critical Incident Technique (CIT).FindingsThe data indicated that trigger events and leadership crucibles play a significant role in authentic leadership development.Practical implicationsPractitioners should emphasize the prominent themes of self-awareness, relational transparency, balanced processing and moral perspective and the connection with other themes that emerged from the current study when developing or training leaders. Furthermore, practitioners concerned with creating an authentic leadership culture may consider the findings of the current study to develop and employ hiring and promotion strategies that increase the probabilities of hiring and promoting leaders that exhibit authentic leadership behaviors.Originality/valueThe findings of the research indicate that trigger events and crucibles both affect authentic leadership development. The research findings confirm characteristics associated with authentic leadership theory were predominant in the participants. However, one theme that prevailed was that of spirituality, which may or may not be considered to be part of an authentic leader's moral perspective

Leadership development trends and challenges in the twenty-first century: rethinking the priorities

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-124
Author(s):  
Majd Megheirkouni ◽  
Ammar Mejheirkouni
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
First Century ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Leadership Theories ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unethical Behaviors ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Twenty First Century

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand challenges facing organizations in the twenty-first century and address these challenges through suggesting future leadership development based on relevant leadership theories, which would motivate and guide future research directions in a streamlined manner. Design/methodology/approach The present study adopted the exploratory literature review, using the integrative method, to review the theoretical and empirical literature on leadership development published since the 2000s, primarily focusing on research published in the Journal of Management Development. Findings The findings of the current review confirmed that leadership theories are the base for leadership development theories, particularly if the purpose is to address and overcome the current challenges facing organizations. The authors suggest that leadership theories and leadership development theories do not exist in isolation from one another, nor do they exist in isolation from challenges facing organizations. Research limitations/implications This review does not cover all studies before the 2000s nor other journals in the field of leadership. Originality/value Given that most organizations are suffering from one or more of the following issues: sexual scandals, unethical behaviors, individualism, crises and a low level of performance or productivity, the development of particular leadership skills has become a priority. This study is one of few studies guiding both future leadership development research directions and leadership development initiatives.

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