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Diversity and leadership in a changing world
1Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, 2029 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. eagly@northwestern.edu
The American Psychologist
|March 31, 2010
Summary
Leadership studies often overlook diversity, impacting our understanding of inclusion and leader development. Integrating diversity research with leadership theory offers new insights for optimizing leadership in diverse organizations.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Organizational Behavior
- Leadership Studies
Background:
- Leadership scholarship has historically neglected the diversity of leaders and followers.
- This oversight limits research on critical issues like access to leadership roles for diverse groups and the influence of dual identities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the intersection of leadership and diversity research.
- To address the underrepresentation of diverse individuals in leadership positions.
- To explore how dual identities shape leaders' behavior and the unique contributions of diverse leaders.
Main Methods:
- The study integrates existing bodies of theory and research from both leadership and diversity fields.
- It analyzes the implications of this integration for contemporary leadership challenges.
Main Results:
- The omission of diversity in leadership studies has weakened theoretical frameworks.
- Integrating leadership and diversity enhances understanding of leader behavior and group dynamics.
- Diverse individuals can offer unique perspectives and excel in leadership roles.
Conclusions:
- Combining leadership and diversity research enriches both fields.
- This integrated approach provides essential guidelines for developing effective leadership in diverse modern organizations and nations.
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