A new sciences outline for leadership development

Author: Fairholm M.R.

Source: Leadership and Organization Development Journal, Volume 25, Number 4, 2004 , pp. 369-383(15)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

The Newtonian physics that formed the foundation of physical and social science for centuries is unwinding in the face of the new sciences. The principles of the new sciences shed needed light on the technologies of leadership in modern organizations. This paper links specific leadership technologies to four general principles taken from the new sciences. Together, these technologies and principles provide a new metaphor for organizational life and the work of leadership. This metaphor offers an alternative explanation of the leadership phenomenon generally, helps organizational actors ground their leadership activity in terms of the new sciences theory, and points to better ways to prepare ourselves for the demands of leadership in organizations. This, in turn, provides a way for leaders to better understand their organizational environment and links that understanding to an outline of skills, behaviors, and attitudes that can be used in practical leadership development programs.

Keywords: Leadership; Training; Design and Development; Chaos Theory

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01437730410538699

Publication date: 2004-04-01