Leadership – The Key Concepts

Citation

Steinbuch, P. (2009), "Leadership – The Key Concepts", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 30 No. 3, pp. 296-297. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730910949571

Leadership – The Key Concepts presents 18 primary and 36 shorter articles about leadership. The primary articles address the core tenets of leadership, while the shorter articles present a broader array of ideas, as well as new theories. All articles are cross referenced with other entries in the book which are similar or related, in addition to citing suggested outside readings. Biographies of all the contributors are included, as well as an extensive bibliography.

There is an enormous amount of literature on the topic of leadership. Although leadership theorists represent a wide range of disciplines, the editors do an excellent job of presenting and organizing the relevant key concepts. Over 50 key concepts of leadership are included in the book. In terms of topics, the editors present a very comprehensive collection. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the editors have included articles from both mainstream and controversial perspectives. The editors acknowledge that the complexity of leadership studies results in varied and, often times, opposing theories. Despite this, the editors balance the complexities of the field with attention to unifying The articles are written by international experts, representing many different fields.

Although the articles are presented alphabetically, according to the 50+ key concepts, the editors focus on six primary and broad themes. First, the traits of leaders, both moral and intellectual are included, in addition to discussion of both positive and “toxic” traits. Second, the editors incorporate articles presenting the conditions or factors which impact effective leadership. Third, governance, both political and corporate, is addressed, with particular attention to the way leadership is disseminated throughout the organization or societal group. Fourth, definitions of competencies and performance measures of leaders are presented in order to address the relation of organizational performance to leadership capability. Fifth, over 50 definitions of key concepts are presented in order to represent the views of what leadership is. Sixth, the editors have requested that the authors present descriptive information to balance their views on what leaders should do.

The editors tackle a very broad and complex body of literature and concepts. Antonio Marturano and Jonathan Gosling do an excellent job as editors, particularly in their selection and presentation of topical entries, aimed towards a varied audience. There is a wealth of material for the business executive, political participant, student, academic, as well as those who are simply interested in learning more about the field of leadership. The articles range in complexity providing both the researcher and non‐researcher with relevant information and theories.

Leadership – The Key Concepts is both comprehensive and up‐to‐date. The articles are well integrated into a relevant presentation. Marturano and Gosling organize a huge body of material into an understandable and logical presentation of key concepts. They include both unifying theories as well as contrasting views. They encourage debate and provide the reader with the foundation to do so. The book is relevant to both theorists and those who wish to develop a pragmatic paradigm. It is suitable for both academics and practitioners. The editors present a wide‐angle approach on the topic of leadership, making this book relevant to readers from a variety of disciplines. I highly recommend Leadership – The Key Concepts as a strong foundation book on a very topical subject.