From “<i>Cogito Ergo Sum</i>” to “<i>Vivo Ergo Sum</i>”: Current Theoretical Trends and Changing Perspectives in Leadership

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to review recent developments in leadership theories from paradigm perspective and introduce the new frontiers and challenges of leadership theories and practice. Considering that organizational analysis is rooted in different social science paradigms, "scientization" was likely to result in hegemony of a single paradigm in management field-and in specific leadership studies-by suppressing knowledge claims of other paradigms. In conjunction with this, the study attempted to verify whether the leadership field is dominated by modernistpositivist approach by analyzing the trend in last 15 years from this perspective. Findings of the review significantly demonstrated that the recent developments in the field can be described as a transition from a modernist-positivist approach towards more balanced fashion which employs both retrospective and interpretive approach in leadership studies. However, it is also underlined that integrative perspectives that consider how disparate leadership theories-66 different leadership theories in specific-relate or operate simultaneously to influence the emergence of leadership phenomena is crucial.

Preparing Leaders While Neglecting Leadership

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