ABSTRACT
Diverse perceptions of leadership are deployed in various parts of the three overarching theoretical perspectives (instrumental, cultural, myth) although perceptions in line with the cultural perspective seems to dominate. Philip Selznick’s conceptualization of leadership as akin to ‘statesmanship’ is a typical cultural-inspired definition. This presupposes leeway or discretion within a formal framework for various institutionally-based and informal processes to play out. From an instrumental perspective, steering means making collective decisions and putting them into effect. This happens in public organizations when political and administrative leaders and their subordinates act within determinate formal frameworks that channel thinking and action. Public administration is structured so that leaders have the strongest formal means for steering as well as responsibility for coordinating organizational units and members with specialized roles and functions. From an instrumental perspective, leadership is often conceived of as a version of steering. Actors in senior positions perform leadership functions and use formal organizational structures systematically to achieve collective goals.
