Leadership and Power

The chapter delves into the multifaceted nature of leadership and its intrinsic connection to power. Various definitions and conceptualisations of leadership are critically examined, with attention to how it is often conflated with other forms of social influence and authority. The relational aspect of leadership is emphasised, focusing on the leader’s status, personal qualities and the type of influence exerted. A comparison is drawn between different leadership theories, including transformational and transactional leadership, while introducing the concept of power as it relates to influence, authority and political leadership. The chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the development of leadership studies, tracing its roots back to classical social science theories and exploring the interdisciplinary nature of leadership research. This foundation aids in understanding the complex interplay between leadership, power and democracy, particularly within the context of contemporary social change.