A Very Short, Fairly Interesting and Reasonably Cheap Book about Studying Leadership

by Brad Jackson, Ken Parry

An engaging guide through the cacophony of competing perspectives and models of leadership, the new edition includes an expanded discussion of contemporary topics like followership, gender, ethics, authenticity, and leadership and the arts, set against the backdrop of the global financial crisis. Conceived by Chris Grey as an antidote to conventional textbooks, each book in the ‘Very Short, Fairly Interesting and Reasonably Cheap’ series takes a core area of the curriculum and turns it on its head by providing a critical and sophisticated overview of the key issues and debates in an informal, conversational and often humorous way. Suitable for students of leadership, professionals working in organizations and anyone curious about the workings of leadership.

Genres: Leadership, Business

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2007

Reviews

[Marren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about the academic study of leadership, which some interesting tidbits on leadership along the way. I found it pretty interesting to see leadership elements from everyday life broken down into theoretical elements. Not your motivational go get em book, or ten tips to make everyone like you, which was refreshing in a way. The authors did attempt, sometimes successfully, to spice up the theory and academia content, but it was a bit of a slog.

[Robert Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are studying leadership as part of a course or program, this book provides a balanced and soberingly critical analysis of the present state of the art of leadership theories and research. The authors demonstrate that, in spite of all the money that has been spent trying to understand leadership and trying to train people to be leaders, there is no evidence to suggest that we have accrued any substantial return on that investment. Rather, we are left to accept the conclusion of many of the leading experts on the subject, that leadership is like beauty - you can't define it, but you know it when you see it.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly as its title suggests. Short, fairly interesting, easy read. An overview.

[Benjamin Fasching-Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delivers what the title promises -- this is not a book on leadership, it's about how the academy approaches the subject. Chapters like "Cultural perspectives on leadership," which in part tore up the Culture, Leadership, and Organizations: The Globe Study of 62 Societies in a nice way, and "Critical perspectives on leadership" were especially fun for me.

If we are going to move towards a truly democratic society, and democratize the hierarchical organizations where we work, volunteer, and where we are 'clients,' then we need to develop our own leadership skills. IMO, everyone has been leaving the leading to others, and we're all sitting on a speeding train, heading towards a cliff. So that was the thinking I had when I picked up this book, and now I have a better idea of what books to read next.

The final chapter offers some good advice for people considering writing about leadership for their masters or doctorate.

[Paul Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but found it hard to process and understand much of the information presented.

[Stephanie Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accidentally picked this book up at my local library because Chris Grey's "A Very Short, Fairly Interesting and Reasonable Cheap Book about Studying Organizations," was not available. It was an appropriate read especially since leadership abilities are on full-blown display as the COVID-19 global pandemic. Leadership studies closely aligns with organizational studies, although focused more on the concept of how to direct organizations. Brad and Ken (as they refer to themselves within the text) clearly state that this book is not a leadership development book akin to what the management gurus pump out regularly. Instead, the authors aim to concisely summarize over 50 years worth of leadership research and studies, most of which are survey/questionnaire studies. Brad and Ken do manage to synthesize the field and offer their own critical perspectives simultaneously. The authors, for example, acknowledge the overly-American emphasis in leadership studies and introduce cross-cultural research that focuses on leadership styles in other countries--although scholars have discovered that there are similar traits/characteristics across cultures.

I also appreciate that Brad and Ken aim this book towards graduate students. They offer sound advice on how to pick a research topic and what areas are ripe for study. I am not a leadership studies graduate student, but I found it refreshing to read that tangential fields have similar theoretical, empirical, and methodological challenges. I must admit that at times I found the subject quite dull. The field's focus on psychological surveys and experimental tests do not interest me. I also would have appreciated if the authors could mention leadership studies in other fields like non-profit, higher education, etc. and if there were any similar or different findings based on field. I did appreciate that authors introduced rigorous qualitative studies within their field to balance the quant heavy studies. Overall, a productive read for any graduate students interested in pursuing leadership studies.

[Mise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting from my college days.

Main takeaway that stayed with me is that new systems usually arise to address the shortcomings of its predecessor.

When systems change, there is a tendency to overcorrect or neglect other factors. This can lead to oscillation problems.

[Ayisja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really useful for a quick and accessible bit of research 👌🏼

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

This functions more as a text book for graduate level scholarship of leadership. It’s not exhaustive but
It’s helpful for graduate students to consider areas of research. It’s not a book that offers any explicit leadership practices.

[Derek W. Wade]

Desired!

[anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never bought or read this book.