LEADING STARTS IN THE MIND

This book offers a refreshing view of leadership as a psycho-social phenomenon. Attention is drawn to the conceptual muddle which underlies much of managerial practices, particularly in the selection and development of future leaders. Also demonstrated is the conceptual muddle through semantic analysis of the vocabulary used in defining leadership in different languages. The concept of leadership from four different perspectives is examined in detail: leadership as a universal and natural phenomenon; membership and social roles; leadership as a collective process; conceptual models.

In addition to the theoretical models, the author discusses patterns of influence and use and abuse of power. Consistent with his emphasis on the reciprocal nature of leadership, he complements his analysis of leading behavior by insightful analysis of the phenomenon of obedience: the psychological and cultural foundations of obedience; patterns of obedience; the collusion of leaders and followers in the abuse of power.

The author's conceptualization of leadership challenges much of our conventional wisdom and traditional notions. He questions, for example, the universality of intelligence, dominance, aggressiveness and extraversion as predictors of leadership potential. Instead of imposing an ideal model of leadership, he lays the philosophical foundations that allow institutions to make their own choice of the model (or models) best suited for their values and unique historical circumstances. As such, the book can best be described as an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural guide for policy makers, particularly those concerned with the selection and training of leaders.

Contents:

Leaders or Managers?
Leadership Semantics: Cross-Cultural Exploration
Qualities Followers Expect in a Leader
Fields of Leadership Action
Organizing Processes
Recurrent Situations
Interface Groups
The Organization as Environment
Modes of Existence in Organizations
Levels of Leading and Following
Triadic Model of Leadership
Psychology of Obedience
Leadership Prerequisites
Crisis of Leadership

Readership: Students, researchers, managers and consultants in organisation and management studies.

“This book provides a fresh view of leadership that goes beyond the traditional bounds of management and political science theory. It approaches organization as an environment, and leadership as a global humanistic activity. This approach would enhance the management skills of professionals from diverse disciplines and cultures.”

Dr Salah El-Shakhs
Professor of Planning and Policy Development
Rutgers University

“Through his energetic, passionate, and imaginative objectivity Moneim has integrated the gleanings from his lives as scientist, philosopher, psychologist, and teacher on all the earth's continents into a philosophy of leadership he has shared to superb effect with corporate and governmental executives. What a blessing it is to have his wisdom of a lifetime now available to all leaders in the form of this written digest!”

Arthur C Eschenlauer
former Senior Vice President,JP Morgan & Company, Inc.
Trustee,JP Morgan Funds (mutual funds)

“… Professor El-Meligi, who is always an original thinker, has written a book designed to cast new light on the assumptions that drive our decisions and our personal inter-actions. Anyone with responsibilities in an organization will benefit from the insights offered here …”

Emeritus Professor Allan Roth
Founding Director
International Executive MBA Programs, Rutgers Graduate School of Management

“Professor Moneim distills decades of experience and reflection to cut through the conceptual muddle surrounding the idea of leadership. His incisive analysis of the social context of leadership provides essential tips for both aspiring and established leaders at all levels. Having personally profited from his teaching, I am happy to commend his book.”

Kishore Mahbubani
Dean, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
author of Beyond the Age of Innocence: Rebuilding Trust between America and the World

“Dr El-Meligi's book throws light on a field where literature is abundant but ill-defined. The author goes to the original sources of Western and Eastern thought and offers the fruits of his rich, long and diversified professional experience. In dealing with superior/subordinate relations Dr El-Meligi penetrates the foundations of human association stressing the universality of interdependence. Dr El-Meligi's humanistic model of leadership should benefit not only traditional schools of management but also all those concerned with civil and religious institutions. This is an indispensable book.”

Father Guy Bonneau
L Ps, M Ed, Psychologist
Québec, Canada

“Prof Moneim has an inherent ability to reduce complex ideas to easily understood concepts which can be applied to both theory and practice. His presentation of ideas is clear, cogent and concise which allows the reader to integrate them into everyday situations which arise within management structures and practices. More than a ‘how to’, book, this is a thought provoking exploration of his long experience and subsequent insights into the subject and will be used by many for years to come. I heartily recommend it to anyone in, or considering entering, the field.”

Dennis R Trent
Managing Director, Midlands Psychological Services
President (2005 – 2006), International Council of Psychologists and Editor, International Psychologist

232pp		Pub. date: Nov 2005
ISBN: 978-981-256-413-9 981-256-413-6		US$82 / £45

232pp		Pub. date: Nov 2005
ISBN: 978-981-256-495-5(pbk) 981-256-495-0(pbk)		US$39 / £22

232pp		Pub. date: Nov 2005
ISBN: 978-981-270-094-0(ebook) 981-270-094-3(ebook)		US$104 / £63

Imperial College Press \| Global Publishing \| Asia-Pacific Biotech News \| Innovation Magazine Labcreations Co \| Meeting Matters \| National Academies Press Copyright © 2009 World Scientific Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Updated on 20 November 2009