Leadership: Theory and Practice - Softcover

"The book seems to have been sprung from the author's experiences of teaching and consulting on leadership issues. This is evident from the way in which the approaches and theories to leadership are structured for easy application and practice in active scenarios. A clear positive aspect of the book is the Summary at the end of each chapter with serves the purpose of integrating several dimensions that the chapter deals with." (Venkatesh Pamu Book Reviews 2006-06-27)

"After reading many current educational leadership books which seem less about leadership and more about the ‘evils’ of government reform and ‘commodification’ it is a real delight to read such a splendid book as this. Peter Northouse has combined an academically robust account of the major themes and approaches with an accessible style and approach that makes the book very readable. This book is a major source of insights and perspectives for all those studying on leadership courses in both the business and education sectors. It is also an excellent source for school leaders and educators who want to go deepen their understanding of leadership.

The book is divided into fourteen chapters which cover all the key aspects in the leadership field: defining leadership; trait approaches; skills approaches; style approaches; situational approach; contingency theory; path-goal theory; leader-member exchange theory; transformational leadership; team leadership; psychodynamic approach; women and leadership; culture and leadership and leadership ethics. It is unusual to get such a comprehensive coverage of leadership, with such a perceptive and engaging account.

The layout of the book is excellent making it very reader friendly with great use of colour display of models and tables. This is a major improvement on earlier editions of the book. It has outstandingly good case examples and questions for reflection and very useful leadership instruments and questionnaires. These instruments, case studies and questionnaires provide practical applications and reflection tools and add a significant reality check to theory as the reader can apply the leadership analysis to themselves or their situation. For anyone starting out as a student of leadership or an experienced leader reviewing their leadership style and approach this book would be an essential starting place.

After reviewing leadership books for over twenty years this book is by far one of the best I have come across. It provides an excellent leadership account and discussion for those working in the education and business field."

―INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT (Brent Davies International Journal of Educational Management 2008-03-26)

"Leadership: Theory and Practice provides excellent analyses of a number of leadership theories and research findings in considerable detail...The book succeeds in advancing our understanding of the different approaches to leadership and the methods by which it can be practiced more effectively." (Ravindra Nath Saxena 2008-09-18)

"Love the analysis of theories and end of chapter exercises." (Gary Williams 2009-08-05)

"Excellent review of major concepts and theories; applications at close of chapter is a perfect ending!" (Jeany Gonzalez 2009-08-06)

Heartened by the positive response to the previous editions of Leadership: Theory and Practice, this Fourth Edition is written with the same objective; to bridge the gap between the often simplistic popular approaches to leadership and the more abstract theoretical approaches. As in previous editions, this new edition reviews and analyzes a selected number of leadership theories, giving special attention to how each theoretical approach may be applied to real-world situations. In essence, the purpose of Leadership: Theory and Practice is to explore how leadership theory can inform and direct the way leadership is practiced. While this edition retains many special features from previous editions, it is now in two color and has been expanded to include more leadership topics, research findings, questionnaires, case studies, and everyday applications. KeyáFeatures of the Fourth Edition:New Chapter 13 ôCulture and LeadershipöNewly written Chapter 12 ôWomen and LeadershipöRevised Chapter 10 ôTeam LeadershipöNew material on the GLOBE study, servant leadership, spiritual leadership, followership, and Kouzes PosnerÆs practicesInstructors Resources CD with PowerPoint slides, test bank, writing assignments, chapter reviews, and much more.Rave reviews for the previous edition:'Northouse's third edition of Leadership: Theory and Practice is one of the clearest presentations of the major theories and concepts of leadership available in print anywhere. It should be required reading for every leadership program.' -- Dr.Thomas E. Matthews, Director, Leadership Education, Development &BAD:amp; Training, SUNY Geneseo 'The third edition of Leadership by Northouse provides students with a powerful introduction to the strengths and limits of the social science strand of research in leadership. It provides application for undergraduates while for graduate students, it provides the context needed to plunge into reading research and developing research questions. At the same time, the book raises significant questions about the link between leadership and ethics and values.' --Roger Smitter, Ph.D., Director, Leadership, Ethics and Values Program, North Central College'Peter Northouse has produced a leadership textbook that is accessible to students, but solidly grounded in theory and research. He avoids the ætrapÆ of making leadership appear too easy or trite, keeping his book serious and scholarly, but still interesting and enjoyable to read. I would feel confident that a student assigned Leadership: Theory and Practice is getting a sound introduction to the field.'--Ronald E. Riggio, Ph.D., Kravis Leadership Institute, Claremont McKenna College'I have used Leadership: Theory and Practice for the past four years as the primary text for an undergraduate leadership course that I teach. The comprehensive nature of the chapters, critiques, exercises, self-assessment instruments, and case studies make it very user-friendly for students and faculty.'-- Lynn Hertrick Leavitt, Director, Center for Service and Leadership, George Mason University'In his Third Edition, Northouse continues to update and enhance his leadership book. As a textbook for college students, the author provides an outstanding bridge between the research developments and the practical uses for leadership theory. His case study examples are contemporary, intriguing, and enticing to students and teachers who seek enhancement to their study of leadership.' --Christine D. Townsend, Professor, Leadership Education, Texas A&BAD:amp;M University