Perspectives on leadership in business schools

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on leadership in business schools. It seeks to advocate examining strategic leadership processes through the exploration of interactions between such multiple constituencies as the dean, faculty, university councils and advisory boards.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of models of the leadership process are identified and illustrated, namely, the strategic leadership process model, a model of leadership dynamics and an interactionist model, involving an examination of leadership characteristics, context and leadership style.

Findings

The current financial crisis and criticisms of the business school in the modern university require deans to address changing models and contingencies, globalisation and moral values in curriculum evaluation and leadership of the business school. The importance of further in‐depth case studies of strategic leadership is emphasised.

Originality/value

Three areas of important research are identified, namely, the skills of leadership characteristics, leadership styles and change and leadership training. It is concluded that leadership can be taught but must be reinforced with on‐the‐job experience.

Citation

Thomas, H. and Thomas, L. (2011), "Perspectives on leadership in business schools", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 30 No. 5, pp. 526-540. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621711111133037