Paradoxes of leadership

Bolden, Richard

Abstract

Recognizing the tensions and contradictions within leadership theory and practice is an important starting point for developing more creative and constructive ways of working. The ambiguity, uncertainty and complexity that now permeate all areas of business and society drive an expectation for leaders to provide a clear and compelling sense of purpose and direction for staff and stakeholders. Like many aspects of leadership, however, this requires balancing competing demands and expectations that are not easily resolved. This entry outlines principles of a paradoxical approach to leadership, some of the key paradoxes faced by leaders and organizations, and highlights implications for theory, practice and development.

Citation

Bolden, R. (2023). Paradoxes of leadership. In G. R. Goethals, S. T. Allison, & G. J. Sorenson (Eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Leadership Studies. SAGE Publications

• Acceptance Date: Sep 20, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Feb 1, 2023
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2023
• Deposit Date: Sep 21, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: May 24, 2023
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Book Title: The SAGE Encyclopedia of Leadership Studies
• ISBN: 9781071840849
• Keywords: Leadership
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7816187
• Publisher URL: https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/the-sage-encyclopedia-of-leadership-studies/book274562