This piece of literature from Gardner discusses different aspects required for a leader to become successful in the political context. The author has presented the leadership stage in different chapters of this book and further presents the details in depth. This is an exceptional framework of leadership providing insight in the future.
I. Theoretical Frame
This book was written in 1990 but offers a good insight on leadership. The author created a remarkable work on entailing ten elements necessary for becoming a successful leader in different fields such as constituent relationship, levels of power, and contextual environment. The author further discusses the element of leadership and gives ways that leaders have successfully or unsuccessfully mastered these aspects in a well-rounded view. In reading the book, the author has manifested a nice chapter-to-chapter flow, which provided the idea of what is coming next.
II. Book Elements
- Nature of Leadership – this is more about the stages of leadership and concentrates on the details conversely written in another time. It is here where the team leader and leadership are cited in short sections.
- Tasks of Leadership – concentrates on leadership tasks where the author cites about the nine main tasks felt to be the most important functions of leadership. These nine tasks involve motivating, managing, explaining, serving as a symbol, renewing, and group representation.
- Leader-Constituent Interaction – this concentrates on the relationship found between followers and leaders that may differ from one culture to another. Gardner studies the roles on how control and structure play into the relationship.
- Contexts – where contextual leadership situations are explained.
- Attributes – provides the 14 attributes of effective leadership.
III. Target Audience
This book from Gardner upholds value and serves different audiences. It provides a strong background in politics and shows the examples and writing found in the book. This is a perfect example of the business world and how students can open the impact of leadership to this world as well. However, it is also safe to assume that the book offers an intellectual view on students especially those wanting to join the political filed. In addition, it is critical to note that the book seems to target larger learning institutions. In the manner that it is written small institution would not benefit as much
IV. Use of Book
Mainly students who concentrate in history and political science that offers also a perfect requirement can use this book. Students who are involved in various scholar programs read this book and may incorporate the book information directly to the examples written in this book. This provides a better understanding on how to improve leadership skills.
V. Critique
Reference
Gardner, J. W. (1990). On Leadership. New York, NY: The Free Press.
