Leadership

Abstract

Organisations are collections of people engaged in the pursuit of various objectives. We have seen how their interests and objectives are often diverse; how structure and culture combine to provide the basis for co-ordination, control and communication. A great deal can be accomplished through understanding the constituents and dynamics of organisations and then in charting action within them. However, attention must also be focused on the role of leadership in securing direction and action. This is particularly, but not exclusively, important in terms of change. The concept of leadership relates strongly to power (the basis on which one person/group can secure the compliance of others), culture (the resonance between the values demonstrated and espoused by leaders and the value preferences of others who are involved) and influence.