Jerry Hunt: my mentor and tormentor

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a professional and personal tribute to Professor Jerry Hunt, one of the distinguished scholars in leadership and organization studies and to offer glimpses of many of his distinctly eminent qualities as a scholar, a teacher, and as a mentor.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the author's personal experiences and observations to present a commentary on Professor Hunt's style of work and his approach to mentoring doctoral students and resolving complex problems. Set against the backdrop of the evolution of the field over the last three decades, the paper addresses some of the human, cultural, and collegial aspects of life in academia.

Findings

Professor Hunt's dedication infused a new lease of life to the field of leadership at a time of declining interest in the field as an area of scholarly inquiry. His lifetime contributions as an editor, scholar, and mentor are as enduring as they deserve to be commended.

Practical implications

The paper serves to illustrate the role of commitment, humility, objectivity, and a sense of humor in the shaping of a distinguished academic career.

Originality/value

An intensely personal account of the human and professional attributes of a world‐renowned scholar is offered. Some broad‐brush strokes of life in academia and of the course of evolution of leadership as a field of inquiry should be useful for potential new entrants as well as established players in the field.

Citation

Rao Korukonda, A. (2008), "Jerry Hunt: my mentor and tormentor", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 29 No. 6, pp. 522-529. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730810894177