ABSTRACT
Maybe you’ve seen a quote similar to this one, along with a picture of a mushroom, posted somewhere in an organization, maybe even your organization. Certainly it would not have been posted at the entrance where the (supposedly) shared corporate values or vision are proudly placed, including values regarding the fair and respectful treatment of employees. Instead, it might be placed in someone’s cubicle, a mailroom, or a bulletin board. When we speak of the mushroom theory of leadership with students or employees of organizations, it never fails to get a grin, chuckle, sigh, or look of sarcasm and even disgust. In return, we frequently hear about personal experiences that exemplify the mushroom theory. In short, it is not just a theory; it appears to be practiced in a wide range of organizations.
