ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that an understanding of philosophy is crucial in highlighting the pluralism of practice as we experience and study it. It focuses on Feldman and Orlikowski, who identify three approaches to practice: empirical, theoretical, and philosophical. An empirical focus sees practice as the object of study by examining everyday activities in organizations. A theoretical focus articulates the theoretical relationships and logic underpinning practices as a means of explaining them. A philosophical focus addresses the ontology and epistemology of practice, particularly that practice is an ontological formation organized around notionally shared understandings. The chapter focuses on phenomenological and hermeneutic underpinnings of leadership-as-practice, which incorporate the work of philosophers including: Heidegger, Gadamer, and Ricoeur. It outlines plausible articulations of the leadership practices that can be viewed through each philosophical lens, along with associated characterizations of leadership and its ethical stances. The chapter concludes with suggestions for research that arise from the philosophical speculations.
