ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents a possible response to the central question it raises, which is whether or how leadership theory ought to be rebuilt. It draws a radical and at times shocking stance in alerting us to the intertwined complexities of dependence, independence and interdependence by juxtaposing two stories – a sadomasochist fantasy called the Story of O and a public sector manager's career story. Both stories show that, regardless of the perceived attachment between someone leading and someone led, the denial of power, whether that denial is embraced or resisted, vulnerability, insecurity and often damage will result. The book draws on Zygmunt Bauman's notion of liquid modernity as the basis for highlighting changes occurring in the form, focus and effects of organising practices, contemporary subjectivity and, thus, leadership, which are rarely discussed in leadership studies.