ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview on theories and research on leadership in nonprofit organizations (NPO). Both traditional and alternative theoretical approaches to leadership will be discussed, such as trait theories, situational or contingency theories, and critical leadership studies, including shared, collective or distributed leadership. The specific conditions for leadership in NPO will be discussed and an overview on NPO-specific leadership research will be given. This indicates what we know about requirements for good leadership in these organizations. The chapter concludes with contrasting the benefits of leadership and hierarchy with more participatory and egalitarian approaches to leadership. It argues that there is no one best way of leadership and that the heterogeneous group of NPOs requires different leadership styles and practices.
