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Article
Publication date: 12 November 2024

Soumendra N. Bagchi and Rajeev Sharma

The voluminous research on leadership, along with multiple theories, makes it challenging for organizational leaders, managers, and trainers to keep track of and reconcile the…

Abstract

Purpose

The voluminous research on leadership, along with multiple theories, makes it challenging for organizational leaders, managers, and trainers to keep track of and reconcile the different theories of leadership to derive benefits from them. We propose a leadership canvas as a meta-theory of leadership theories, integrating the major existing theories by highlighting the unifying principles that underpin these theories.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has been triggered by students’ and executives’ questions regarding leadership theories and how they choose one over the other. In this paper, we have coded the leadership theories and plotted them on the two-dimensional framework using two dimensions: (1) the collaboration between leader and followers engrained in the theories, and (2) the leader focus, as implied by the different theorists.

Findings

Our proposed two-dimensional leadership canvas reveals that concepts in theories lower on the canvas are necessary conditions for theories higher on the leadership canvas. Thus, our framework illustrates how different leadership theories are part of a continuum rather than distinct from each other.

Originality/value

The proposed framework ensures a bird’s eye view of the theories, facilitating rapid comprehension of existing leadership theories regardless of readers’ prior knowledge. It also incorporates environmental complexity and leader focus in a single framework.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2021

Soumendra N. Bagchi and Rajeev Sharma

Understanding multiple dimensions of problem or opportunity and the context in an evolving environment is an essential task for leaders. The allied expectation is to be aware of…

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding multiple dimensions of problem or opportunity and the context in an evolving environment is an essential task for leaders. The allied expectation is to be aware of gaps in knowledge, and areas of organizational ignorance, which can prove detrimental for the organization. In this paper, we propose a framework based on social exchange theory directed towards developing organizational mindfulness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a reflective note based on workshops conducted for senior managers of a Fortune Global 500 petrochemical company having more than 10,000 employees. The workshop was carried out in modular mode, with one module conducted in virtual mode and the second module in physical mode. The time gap between each module was two months.

Findings

Purposive questioning, engaged in both as a social exchange as well as to solicit information from multiple stakeholders which may otherwise would have been ignored, develops broader and more detailed analysis of problems and extensive individual and organizational mindfulness.

Practical implications

This paper offers a methodology for managers to explore and develop solutions for complex problems. The methodology also provides identification of areas requiring organizational re-learning.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on problem solving by providing a methodology to develop individual and organizational mindfulness. The structured format of the approach ensures this can be formalized and taught to decision makers, without being limited by their prior background.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2024

Soumendra Narain Bagchi and Rajeev Sharma

This study aims to examine the application of Wardley mapping on developing and implementing an information technology (IT) strategy in a small-scale business. This case study…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the application of Wardley mapping on developing and implementing an information technology (IT) strategy in a small-scale business. This case study illustrates the potency of multitier analysis using Wardley mapping technique to explore capability gaps and areas to focus on before undertaking IT projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a single case of enterprise resource planning implementation and subsequent abandonment in a small-scale manufacturing company.

Findings

This study demonstrates that multitier analysis using Wardley mapping enables a comprehensive examination of organizational capabilities, including a granular analysis of issues that must be managed for successful implementation of an IT project.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings of a single case study offer limited generalizability, this study sets out the approach that can be extended in more complex settings.

Practical implications

The approach to understanding the organizational capabilities required to execute IT projects, or any change management project, offers significant benefits to managers and leaders.

Originality/value

The authors make two distinct contributions: The Wardley mapping technique has emerged as a new tool for understanding business models, particularly in government projects notable in the UK. This study extends its application to the small-scale manufacturing sector. The second contribution is elaborating on multitier analysis, which allows a granular analysis of issues that can impair the IT project implementation, including an assessment of the organizational capabilities required to deliver a successful project.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

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