The article by Allen et. al. discusses the form of leadership that is taking place today in the 21 st century. The author explains that the future of leadership is dependent on trends that will shape the very purpose of leadership. The trends outlined are globalization, increase stress on environment, spread of information technology and scientific and social change. They believe that the purpose of leadership is defined through the interdependence of these factors.
I agree with the article that these factors have had a major impact on leadership as it is now. Globalization has made the world seem like a small village. Population growth has increased diversity in the communities and societies. New standards of practice have been introduced in leadership in order to increase inclusivity. Cultural relativism enhances tolerance attitudes among people from different societies. Rapid flow of information technology has enabled continuous learning among people leading to changing landscapes in the community. Scientific and social changes have brought about complexity in systems, increased tension because of difference in values and a gap between the rich and poor. Leadership needs to be flexible and sustainable within the community offering justice and equity to all. Social responsibility among individuals and corporations have encouraged transparency and accountability. Pollution due to stress on the environment has led to development of environmental ethics. People and corporations have the social responsibility to take care of the environment.
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The future leaders will need to be fully aware of these challenges and learn how to cope with them accordingly. These factors are defining the purpose of leadership as opposed to its definition. These changes require continuous learning in order to develop the ethical reliance on sustainable principles for better leadership. Continuous changes in the environment, information, globalization and scientific and social change demands a new form of leadership in the 21 st century.
References
Allen et. al. (1998). Leadership in the 21 st Century. In leading Organizations: Perspectives of a New Era, Gill R. Hickman (ed.) copyright Sage publications.
