Leadership Theory, 2nd Edition

6Leader‐Driven Theories

“People who go about seeking to change the world, to diminish suffering, to demonstrate any kind of enlightenment, are often as flawed as anybody else. Sometimes more so. But it is the awareness of having faults, I think, and the knowledge that this links us to everyone on Earth, that opens us to courage and compassion.”

—ALICE WALKER

Leader‐driven theories mark a distinct shift in the dominant leadership literature attempting to alter its intention. If posed the question “leadership for what?” prior theory clusters would respond with a resounding focus on productivity. Leader‐driven theories offer a more humanizing approach that couples goal attainment with individual and social advancement. Transforming/transformational ...