Introduction

Abstract

There is little doubt that leadership is one of the most researched and written about topics in the study of management in organisations. So why yet another book on the topic? There are a number of reasons, why we think that it is still worth exploring the subject of leadership further. These are:

• 1. The current state of research into leadership is that the evidence presented in support of the myriad of models available is often inconclusive and contradictory.

• 2. Organisations today are facing an unprecedented level of uncertainty, volatility, complexity and ambiguity in their environment. They face increasing demands to change and adapt to rapidly shifting contexts combined with increasing pressures to perform. These challenges are not only faced by private-sector organisations, but also by those in the public sector and, indeed, even in charity and third-sector organisations

• 3. There is growing evidence that the much used statement the ‘people are our most important resource’ has moved from the rhetoric in the statements in organisations annual accounts, to a reality. Organisations that successfully engage their employees, build commitment that, in turn, leads to higher levels of performance. In order to respond to the demands of today’s challenging environment. Furthermore, such organisations build a sustainable, resilient, agile and flexible way of working that supports their need to innovate change and develop to meet the demands of their stakeholders