Introduction

Abstract

Today's press coverage often portrays the executive as the individual who is responsible for either the outstanding success or failure of organizations. Writers of academic journals such as the Leadership Quarterly, The Journal of Management Studies, and the Administrative Science Quarterly, as well as of publications such as the Economist, Business Week and the Financial Times, aim to show that these individuals are the source of efficiencies and innovation as well as leadership. Meanwhile, executives are supported by many staff members – including strategists, financial planners, designers of information systems, and operations managers – whose existence is intended to make executive work more effective and efficient and to increase the organizational performance (Mintzberg, 1973).