John Alban‐Metcalfe

Leadership: Time for a New Direction?

After reviewing the literature on leadership that culminated in what has been described as the ‘New Paradigm’, this article discusses the research which has led to the development of what might be regarded as a ‘New New Paradigm’ model. The research was based on a gender-inclusive and black and minority ethnic-inclusive sample of over 3,500 managers and professionals, at different levels (chief executives, top, senior and middle managers), working in the UK National Health Service and local government. The model that emerged, which led to the development of a diagnostic 360-degree feedback instrument, the Transformational Leadership Questionnaire, has been found to be sufficiently robust as to generalize to private sector and other public sector organizations. Apart from having been inclusive at all stages of its development, the model is new in that it is based on a ‘nearby’ rather than ‘distant’ or ‘heroic’ approach to leadership, using a Grounded Theory methodology. It leads to an understanding of leadership that goes beyond transformational models and, recognizing the significance of Greenleaf’s concept of ‘servant leadership’, focuses on the development of the individual, in an organizational context.

Development of a private sector version of the (Engaging) Transformational Leadership Questionnaire

Purpose – Notions of leadership change over time. The last two decades have been dominated by US models of “heroic” leadership, based largely on predominately male‐biased samples, which have been focused on studies of “distant” leaders, but these are being challenged by the findings from more recent studies which question the potential dangers of adulating the few “gifted” “charismatic” individuals, not least of which because of the disasters they may cause. In addition, there is a growing interest by organisations of identifying how they can increase “engagement” amongst their employees, since this process appears to contribute significantly to organisational success. This study seeks to replicate an earlier study of “nearby” leadership in UK public sector organisations.Design/methodology/approach – The study gathers qualitative data from a sample of female and male managers at various levels in three UK FTSE100 companies, developing a pilot questionnaire, and then gathering quantitative data from 743 ma...

Engaging leadership part one: competencies are like Brighton Pier

Part one of this paper draws a distinction between the concepts of the personal qualities and values required of those occupying a leadership role, leadership competencies, and engaging leadership behaviour. On the basis of reviews of the literature and survey, empirical and case study data, it concludes that personal qualities and values, and leadership competencies are necessary, but not sufficient, for effective leadership. Part two goes on to consider the relationship between leader development and leadership development, and to present a ‘mental model’, which seeks to integrate these three concepts and to relate them to the distinction between leader behaviour and leadership behaviour, as well as the development of human and social capital.

Engaging leadership part two: an integrated model of leadership development

Part one of this paper (Alban‐Metcalfe & Alimo‐Metcalfe, 2009) concluded that personal qualities and values, and leadership competencies, are necessary, but not sufficient, for effective leadership. Part two considers the relationship between leader development and leadership development, and presents a ‘conceptual model’ that seeks to integrate three approaches to understanding leadership, and to relate them to the distinction between leader behaviour and leadership behaviour, and to the development of ‘human’ and ‘social capital’.

Selection of chairs of primary care trusts: evidence of reliability and validity.

PURPOSE This paper aims to examine empirical evidence of the criterion, construct, and face validity of two processes commonly used in selection--selection interviews and assessment centres (ACs) - in the selection of chairs of primary care trusts. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH A critical review of the literature and an empirical investigation are undertaken. FINDINGS Evidence is presented of the reliability and the predictive, construct, and face validity of using a combination of selection interviews and AC methodology in appointments to public office. In the light of the evidence of the potential benefits of using more than one approach, it is suggested that a combination of AC methodology and panel interviews be used in making public sector appointments. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The evidence presented supports the decision of the Appointment Commission to use AC methodology in the selection for positions in public office, and points to ways in which the process could be improved. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The paper provides empirical evidence of the reliability and validity of two methodologies used in selection to posts.