Leadership
A Critical Text
- Simon Western - Analytic-Network Coaching Ltd
In this original text, Simon Western deconstructs and reconstructs leadership to challenge the popular notion of the individual or hero leader, instead using his own framework to present leadership as a distributed process.
New to the third edition:
- A new chapter on leadership symptoms that offers a novel approach to researching and conceptualizing leadership.
- An expanded chapter on “Leadership and Diversity” with Pooja Sachdev.
- Updated material on “The Eco-Leadership Discourse”, with the chapter now differentiating between ethical eco-leadership and commercial eco-leaders (e.g Facebook, Google, Amazon).
- Analysis of contemporary leadership trends, including leadership in the gig economy, algorithmic management, and the rise in messiah and authoritarian leadership in populist parties.
- Updated case studies with references to current politicians and organizations.
Good overview on leadership theories and models from a critical perspective
This is an excellent book for exercising critical reasoning towards leadership. Part One offers plenty of food for thought for the purpose of unpacking traditional views on the theme. Part Two provides building blocks for developing alternative views. The book complements and extends significantly other publications informed by a critical perspective on leadership. It is especially suited to the needs of postgraduate students who are already familiar with the mainstream views and want to move to a higher level of analysis.
This is an excellent book for exercising critical reasoning towards leadership. Part One offers plenty of food for thought for the purpose of unpacking traditional views on the theme. Part Two provides building blocks for developing alternative views. The book complements and extends significantly other publications informed by a critical perspective on leadership. It is especially suited to the needs of postgraduate students who are already familiar with the mainstream views and want to move to a higher level of analysis.
An excellent update on what is a key critical text. The new chapter is a novel addition. I urge my level 6 students who are wanting to stretch themselves and to be critical, to use this text.
Interesting book that introduces new concepts and ways of thinking about leadership from the mainstream texts on this course,
Easy to link to the course content
This very engaging book brings a welcome critical dimension, as well as highlighting a number of relevant contemporary issues informing and influencing leadership theories and practices, which resonates for the very diverse PG cohorts and their aspirations. A must read
Interesting and relevant topics discussed - author explains his background which supports the credibility of his critical analysis and interesting concepts
This book is a great read. It encompasses past and present thinking on this topical subject.
Sample Materials & Chapters
Chapter 13: An Overview of the Leadership Discourses
Sample Chapter 12 of Western, Leadership
