Reflexive Leadership: Organising in an imperfect world

Product Description

Making a case for a reflexive approach to leadership, the authors draw upon decades of carrying out in-depth studies of professionals trying to “do” leadership. Through interviews with managers and their subordinates, getting a good understanding of organizational context, and critically interpreting their observations considering both leadership theories and a wealth of other perspectives, their celebration of reflexivity is used to question dominant leadership thinking.

Considering and challenging various departures from lines of reasoning results in a book that draws upon rich empirical material and which has a number of new, provocative, critical and constructive ideas that help to develop sharper and more thoughtful thinking and practice – both in academic and practical contexts.

Suitable for leadership and organisation courses at upper-level undergraduate and upwards (including MBA-classes and Executive Education) and a thought provoking read for practitioners and management development professionals interested in leadership thought.

Review

There are not many books on leadership that combine critical reflection, rigorous scholarship and a wide range of material. There are even fewer from authors that have actually studied leadership in situ and have something innovative to say on the topic. This book is one of those rare creatures: a treasure trove for the uninitiated and the expert alike: read it! — Keith Grint Published On: 2016-09-09

 This book on reflexive leadership by three deeply-experienced scholars challenges the taken-for-granted assumptions and language of the leadership industry. The authors call for careful, critical thought about how to organize workplaces is a refreshing departure from the “unreflective mindlessness” that characterizes much of the celebratory literature on leadership. — Robert Jackall Published On: 2016-09-21

Reflexive Leadership
challenges you to think differently about leadership. It is a refreshing break from the shibboleths of today′s leadership approaches. It challenges you to clarify what leadership is and is not–and motivates you to respond in kind. An excellent read for scholars and practitioners alike! — Gail Fairhurst Published On: 2016-09-26

This is an exceptionally well written book. It takes us beyond the impossible fantasies about leadership that we so often find in the literature. Using fascinating examples throughout it offers insights that are often surprising and always useful. Highly recommended! — Professor Dennis Tourish Published On: 2016-09-27

About the Author

Mats Alvesson works at Lund University and also part-time at the University of Queensland and Cass Business School, City University. He has published about thirty books on critical theory, organizational culture, leadership, gender and qualitative and reflexive methods.

Stefan Sveningsson is Professor of Business Administration at the School of Economics and Management, Lund University. He has been visiting researcher at Cardiff Business School, Melbourne University, University of Sydney and Auckland Business School. His research includes leadership, managerial work, strategic and organizational change and organization of knowledge intensive work. He has published several books and journal articles. Recent books include Changing Organizational Culture (2ed, Routledge, 2015, with M Alvesson), Managerial Lives: Leadership and Identity in an Imperfect World (Cambridge University Press, 2016, with M Alvesson), and Reflexive Leadership (SAGE, 2017, with M Alvesson & M Blom).