About the Book

This landmark text provides an overview of the new understanding of leadership that has emerged in the last two decades in social and organizational psychology, as part of the development of self-categorization and social identity theories. The New Psychology of Leadership advances the argument that leadership is a group process grounded in the creation, management and control of group identity — a shared sense of ‘us’.

Written in an accessible and engaging manner, The New Psychology of Leadership discusses multiple aspects of leadership. It examines leadership as the product of dynamic principles reflecting the variable and flexible nature of identity; the active role of leaders in shaping and changing social identities and intergroup relations; the distinction between power and influence and the role of legitimacy; the place of justice, fairness and consideration in binding members to the leader; and the basis of leadership charisma and vision.

The book will appeal to academics, practitioners and students in social and organizational psychology and any other discipline or profession interested in leadership, influence and power. It should also be of interest to members of the reading public who have an interest in these issues.