Leadership

Abstract

This chapter focuses on leadership, which ranks among the most researched and debated topics in organizational behaviour. It examines the difference between management and leadership, and whether leaders are necessary in all kinds of organization. The chapter also talks about the traits or qualities that are required of leaders. It then determines which style of leadership is the most appropriate to adopt, and argues whether there are recipes for a successful leadership. The chapter identifies and discusses several different theories of leadership, including the links between emotion, spirituality, gender, class, and leadership. It talks about leadership being seen as a social myth which induces helplessness with accompanying feelings of despair and resistance to any form of action, maintaining the status quo.