Understanding Leadership: An Arts and Humanities Perspective

Understanding Leadership: An Arts and Humanities Perspective

Publisher
Routledge
Published
2015
Pages
299
ISBN-13
9780415728737
Format
print
Language
English

Lao Tzu, Marx, the Buddha, Ibsen, Machiavelli -- these are just a few of the world's great thinkers who have weighed in on the subject of leadership over the centuries. Yet, the c…

Book Summary
Understanding Leadership: An Arts and Humanities Perspective by Robert M. McManus and Gama Perruci offers a unique textbook approach to leadership studies. It uses the Five Components of Leadership Model and draws on philosophers, artists, and writers—from Lao Tzu to Charlie Chaplin—to explore leadership. Ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking a multidisciplinary, culturally rich perspective beyond social science theories.
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About Understanding Leadership: An Arts and Humanities Perspective

This textbook presents leadership through the lens of the arts and humanities, challenging the dominance of social science approaches. McManus and Perruci introduce The Five Components of Leadership Model—leader, followers, goal, environmental context, and cultural values/norms—as an analytical framework. They draw on a diverse array of thinkers and works, including Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, Marx, the Buddha, Ibsen, Machiavelli, Ayn Rand's Anthem, Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People, Chaplin's Modern Times, Athol Fugard's 'Master Harold'... and the Boys, and Dvořák's New World Symphony. Case studies and cross-cultural examples illustrate how cultural values shape leadership. The book promotes multidimensional thinking for problem-solving in a complex world, making it valuable for leadership students and professionals seeking a liberal arts perspective.

Who should read Understanding Leadership: An Arts and Humanities Perspective?

Undergraduate and postgraduate students in leadership, management, or humanities programs will find this textbook essential for its innovative framework and case studies. Leadership professionals, educators, and trainers seeking to broaden their perspective beyond conventional social science theories will benefit from the arts and humanities approach. Anyone interested in the intersection of culture, philosophy, and leadership practice, or in how great thinkers and artists inform leadership, will appreciate this accessible and thought-provoking resource.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ✓ Offers a unique arts and humanities perspective on leadership, distinct from typical social science texts.
  • ✓ Introduces a clear, practical framework: The Five Components of Leadership Model.
  • ✓ Rich case studies from literature, art, film, music, and philosophy make concepts memorable.
  • ✓ Includes cross-cultural examples that highlight the role of cultural values and norms.
  • ✓ Encourages multidimensional thinking and problem-solving for complex leadership challenges.
Cons
  • ✗ May be less suitable for readers seeking purely empirical or data-driven leadership research.
  • ✗ Assumes some familiarity with the referenced works, which could challenge beginners.
  • ✗ The humanities focus might not align with all leadership course curricula.
  • ✗ Case studies, while diverse, may not cover every leadership context or industry.
  • ✗ Some readers might find the philosophical approach abstract compared to practical guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for self-study?
Yes, the clear framework and case studies make it accessible for self-learners, though some background in humanities may enhance understanding.
Does it cover contemporary leadership theories?
While it focuses on arts and humanities, it contrasts with and complements contemporary social science theories, offering a broader perspective.
What is the Five Components of Leadership Model?
It is a framework recognizing the leader, followers, goal, environmental context, and cultural values/norms as interconnected elements of the leadership process.
Are there discussion questions or exercises?
The book includes case studies that can stimulate discussion, but it may not have formal exercises; it is primarily a textbook with analytical content.
Is this book used in university courses?
Yes, it is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate leadership students and is likely used in courses emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.

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