Reflections and Conclusions

Abstract

In earlier chapters we have articulated the observations and experiences that have been influential in convincing us that a study of women leaders can provide fresh insights into understandings of leadership. These formed a series of questions that guided the development of this book including:

• 1. Why are women leaders still seen as ‘out of place’ (West and Zimmerman, 2005)?

• 2. What is currently being written and said about women leaders?

• 3. Why does the leadership literature continue to be dominated by representations of the leader as individual (male) hero?

• 4. How are women leaders being represented?

• 5. What can we learn about leadership by studying it in alternative settings?

• 6. How can we further the development of new approaches to leadership?

• 7. How can we better reflect women’s experiences of leadership in the practice of leadership development?