Leadership Strength and Weaknesses
I was first introduced to Peter Northouse’s book Leadership: Theory and Practice[1] during my Master of Leadership Course. Since then, it has become a staple go-to for me in anything leadership-based. Since its publication in 1997, it has become a cornerstone text in the field of Leadership and has undergone multiple revisions, with the most recent editions reflecting academic advancements in contemporary leadership theories and practice. As an academic text, it is widely used in leadership courses and is recognised for its expansive coverage of leadership theories, research, and applications. As a Practical text, it offers leadership practitioners the tools for active application to real-time events. As a foundational text, it acts as a signpost to further study of varying leadership theories and practices. I will seek to give six strengths and weaknesses of Leadership: Theory and Practice.
Strengths of “Leadership: Theory and Practice”
- Coverage of Leadership Theories. The text systematically examines a wide range of theories, including trait, skills, behavioural, situational, path-goal, leader-member exchange, transformational, authentic, servant, and adaptive leadership. Each theory is presented in a clear, organised manner, making it accessible to readers at all levels. By writing on diverse leadership theories, readers can compare and contrast different approaches, bringing greater understanding to the reader of leadership as a field of study. Further works by Kouzes and Posner[2] and Bass[3] contribute further to Leadership theories and complement Northouse.
- Presentation of Theory and Practice. Northouse uniquely bridges the gap between theory and practice. Each chapter explores the academic/theoretical foundations of each leadership theory but also provides practical examples and offers case studies that illustrate how these theories are applied in real-world settings. Leading Change[4] JP Kotter is a complementary work.
- Style. Northouse’s writing style is clear, concise, and free of unnecessary jargon, making the book readable to a wide audience. This clarity enables learners at all levels to engage in a better understanding and implementation of more effective leadership. Without this accessible style of writing, the book title would read “Leadership: The Theory.” However, Northouse successfully includes “practice” through illustrations, case studies, and the style of writing employed.
- Research and Scholarly References. The book is thoroughly researched. Each chapter is grounded in scholarly literature. Northouse draws from a wide range of academic sources, providing readers with a solid foundation in leadership research. This adds credibility to the text and serves as a valuable resource for readers who wish to explore the topics further.
- Leadership Perspectives. Northouse makes an effort to include leadership perspectives from a wide range of cultural and demographic backgrounds. The book discusses how leadership is practised differently in cultural contexts and how gender,[5] ethnicity,[6] and other factors influence leadership styles and effectiveness.
- Practical Tools and Assessments. Each chapter concludes with practical tools and assessments, which create opportunities for readers to evaluate their own leadership abilities. These tools are useful for students and practitioners who wish to develop their leadership skills and gain insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. These assessments further give credence to the practical aspects of the book Northouse has written.
Weaknesses of “Leadership: Theory and Practice”
- Examination of Theories. While the book covers a wide range of leadership theories, critics may argue that the treatment of certain theories is too superficial. Given the broad scope of the text, it is inevitable that some theories receive less in-depth coverage than others. For example, the discussion of newer or less mainstream theories, such as adaptive leadership, may lack the depth and detail that more established theories, like transformational leadership, receive. This can leave readers wanting more detailed explanations and practical applications for these newer theories. Works by Dugan,[7] Carroll Ford and Taylor,[8] Evans[9] and Harrison[10] may help here.
- Critical Analysis. Another critique is the limited critical analysis of the leadership theories presented. While the book does provide some critique of each theory, it often stops short of offering a more in-depth critical evaluation. For instance, the potential drawbacks or limitations of certain leadership approaches may not be fully explored.
- Traditional Leadership Theories. There is an apparent emphasis on traditional approaches, such as trait,[11] skills,[12] and behavioural theories.[13] These theories, while foundational, may not fully capture the complexities of contemporary leadership challenges. Some readers may find that the book does not adequately address emerging leadership paradigms, such as those related to technology and remote work, which are becoming increasingly relevant today.
- Information Overload. The sheer volume of information in the book can be overwhelming for some readers, particularly those who are new to leadership studies. While the comprehensive nature of the text is a strength, it can also be a drawback if readers struggle to digest and retain the vast amount of content. The dense presentation of theories, combined with numerous case studies and assessments, can lead to overload.
- Integration of Theories. The book could benefit from a more integrated approach that connects leadership theories in a cohesive framework. Readers might find it challenging to see how different theories interact or complement each other in practice. A greater use of charts may aid in this.
- Representation of Leadership. Leadership is a dynamic and fluid process influenced by ongoing changes throughout society. While the book touches on these changes, it could do more to emphasise the adaptive and emergent aspects of leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Peter Northouse’s Leadership: Theory and Practice is a brilliant book that offers a comprehensive review of leadership theories and practices. Its strengths lie in its clear and accessible writing, balanced presentation of theory and practice, and inclusivity of differing perspectives. However, the book is not without its weaknesses, including superficial treatment of some theories, limited critical analysis, and an overemphasis on traditional approaches. To “fix” these weaknesses, the author would need to write a larger volume, which in itself may be problematic and overwhelming for many readers. Perhaps a volume of works could be considered by the Publishers. Leadership: Theory and Practice may be considered the first in a compendium of works that address the weakness listed.
[1]Northouse, P G. 2013. Leadership, Theory and Practice. 6th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc.
[2] Kouzes, James, M and Posner, Barry Z. 2017. The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations, 6th ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
[3] Bass, Bernard M. 1985. Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations. New York: Free Press.
[4] Kotter, John P. Leading Change. 1996. Boston: Harvard Business Review Press.
[5] Northouse, 349.
[6] Ibid, 386.
[7] Dugan, John P. 2024. Leadership Theory: Cultivating Critical Perspectives. 2nd ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
[8] Carroll, Brigid, Jackie Ford, and Scott Taylor, eds. 2022. Leadership: Contemporary Critical Perspectives. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
[9] Evans, Paul. 2018. Critical Leadership Theory: Building Bridges Between Theory and Practice. Cham, Switzerland: Springer.
[10] Harrison, Christian. 2018. Leadership Theory and Research: A Critical Approach to New and Existing Paradigms. Cham, Switzerland: Springer.
[11] Northouse, 19.
[12] Ibid, 43.
[13] Ibid, 75.
About the Author
Glyn Barrett
I am the founding, Lead Pastor of !Audacious Church in Manchester, England. I was born in Manchester, but moved to Australia at the age of two. My wife and I were married in Australia and began married and ministry life in England 28 years ago. After serving as youth pastors for 12 years, we moved to Manchester to pioneer !Audacious Church. As a church we now have 7 locations. 3 in Manchester, Chester, Cardiff (Wales), Sheffield, and Geneva (Switzerland). In 2019 I became the National Leader of Assemblies of God in Great Britain. We have over 600 churches in our movement and have planted 88 new churches since May 2022 with a goal of planting 400 new churches between May 2022 and May 2028. I am the European Lead for MM33, which is the church planting ministry for Assemblies of God Global and also chair Empowered21 Europe. I'm happily married to Sophia, with two children, one dog and two motorbikes. I love Golf, coffee and spending time with friends. I love to laugh, make friends and create memories!3 responses to “Leadership Strength and Weaknesses”
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Glyn, Thanks for your great review. This is a book I hope to continue to reference. Since you first read the book, did anything stand out to you about your own leadership development?
Hi Kari, honestly, there was so much to take in. The most important thing I learned, however, was just how much I still have to learn about leadership. Discovering the sheer number of leadership theories was an eye-opener for me when I first read about them. It also gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own leadership journey and recognise how, often without realising it, I’ve adapted my leadership during different seasons of life and ministry.
Hi Glyn, I am glad you have a longstanding connection with Northouse (since your Master of Leadership Course).
I agree with you. The volume of information Northouse presents can feel overwhelming. I read your response to Kari about adapting your leadership during different seasons of life and ministry. I am curious to know what leadership style Northouse presents that you most resonate with in this current season of your leadership journey.