Year: 2019
Type: book
Abstract: Introducing the Language of LeadershipIn this chapter we begin to make visible the work that the language of leadership does in perpetuating fictions that are useful for bosses of work organizations.We do this so that weand anyone who shares similar discomforts -can make a start in unravelling the fiction.We contend that even if our views are contrary to the vast and powerful leadership industry our basic arguments rest on things that are plain and evident for all to see.This book takes a stand against the rise of what we call the 'language of leadership' in organizational life.We use the phrase 'language of leadership' to signal the way in which some people (bosses or others with authority in organizational life) are now routinely referred to as 'leaders'; just as what they do routinely gets called 'leadership'.At first glance, whether we call bosses 'leaders' -or anything else -might seem a trivial matter.But because they are used so routinely, the terms 'leader' and 'leadership' are becoming foundational in our thinking.Indeed, these terms perhaps feature in our everyday talk about work organizations before we do any thinking.Here it is worth recalling Orwell's caution to be on our guard against readymade phrases.The language of leadership is made up of readymade phrases that have invaded everyday talk and they pre-package the world of work.They frame some fundamental, taken-for-granted beliefs about power and organizational life.Within contemporary culture, 'leadership' is seen in ways that appeal to celebrated societal values and norms.As a result, it is becoming difficult to use any of this language of leadership without at the same time assuming its essentially positive, intrinsically affirmative
Authors: Mark Learmonth, Kevin Morrell
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2944282684