ABSTRACT
This chapter relates to the British Psychological Society’s area of leadership, engagement, and motivation. The chapter offers a general introduction to what leadership means to people at work and to organisational psychologists in particular. Insights are provided into the evolution of leadership theorising since its start in the early 20th century, how the science and practice of leadership in organisations has changed more recently, and the leadership theories and practices that are now emerging. The chapter explains how these insights can turn theory into practice, outlining the Leadership as Practice Development framework, and presenting a case study of a leadership development programme. The chapter concludes with an outline of the future of leadership and its development in organisations around the globe.
