Leadership – an elusive concept

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to look at how the word “leadership” is often used too casually and too carelessly.

Design/methodology/approach

Attention is drawn to the importance of understanding the nature of the organisation where leadership occurs.

Findings

The paper illustrates why leadership is not a matter of personal qualities but a “function of the organisation” in which the overriding consideration is context and organisational purpose.

Originality/value

The paper provides a useful explanation of leadership.

Citation

Gray, H. (2012), "Leadership – an elusive concept", International Journal of Leadership in Public Services, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 99-106. https://doi.org/10.1108/17479881211260472