Title: Meaning and being: existentialist concepts in leadership

Authors: John Lawler

Addresses: Nuffield Institute, University of Leeds, 71–75 Clarendon Road, Leeds LS2 9PL, UK

Abstract: The subject of leadership in organisations continues to attract considerable interest from academics and practitioners alike. A common definition of leadership is still, however, elusive. Research approaches to leadership are characterised by a positivist approach, whilst many assumptions about leadership receive little critical attention. Concepts from Sartrean existential philosophy are examined, particularly the concern with ||meaning|| and ||being||. Approaches to leadership are explored using these concepts and it is argued that a more subjective perspective on leadership might help us understand meaning within the leadership relationship.

Keywords: leadership; existentialism; meaning; being; management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2004.004843

International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, 2004 Vol.1 No.1, pp.61 - 72

Published online: 07 Jul 2004 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article