ABSTRACT
Here we discuss the plethora of leadership theories available and how leadership theory has become increasingly diluted, as businesspeople have a distaste for theory. They want what is practical. This has unfortunate ramifications in that we are seeing more and more leadership theories, books, and articles that lack rigor and depth.
The criteria for good theory and the many types of theories are explained. Contemporary theories are criticized for their lack of research and their baseless optimistic assertions. Rigorous theories developed by the early theorists at the beginning of the 20th century are most often ignored in the newer theories. Leadership as a social construct is discussed.
