Authentic Leadership and Followership

This book shines a spotlight on two missing foci of authentic leadership research: international and follower perspectives. The concept of ‘authenticity’ has been in vogue since the times of Greek philosophy, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that leadership scholars seriously began to study the topic of authentic leadership. This new collection brings together empirical research and theoretical contributions to provide insights into the follower perspectives of authentic leadership around the world. Covering topics such as leader self-awareness, gender, psychological capital, embodied leadership and followership, and unethical conduct, the book features a Foreword written by William L. Gardner, one of the original scholars on authentic leadership. 

“Authentic leadership is a powerful conceptualisation of the behavioral and attitudinal drivers of leadership and followership. This original and timely book provides us with a mosaic of approaches to studying, construing, and understanding this important concept in a variety of geographies. Highly informative, oozing with knowledge and wisdom, it is a must for anyone interested to grasp the 'what', 'why' & 'how' of global authentic leadership. Read it!” (Yochanan Altman, London, Senior Editor, European Journal of International Management, and Founding Editor, Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion)

“Ho-hum, another compilation of leadership papers… NOT!  From Bill Gardner’s wonderful foreward on the background and meaning of authentic leadership, through the six chapters in Part 1 which provide a unique international perspective and Part 2’s chapters which give insightful, value-added conceptual depth, editor Cotter-Lockard has put together a needed, excellent contributionto the still emerging theory, research, and practice of authentic leadership across the world.” (Fred Luthans, Distinguished Professor, Emeritus, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, and Former President of the Academy of Management)

“Exceedingly timely, brilliantly conceived, and thoughtfully presented! This emergent conversation about authentic leadership and followership, and the need to understand and honor cultural distinctions deserves urgent attention. At this point in human history, with leadership and followership authenticity in seeming short supply, the insights presented in this research compendium illuminate the vision and provide hope that leaders throughout the world can evolve from inauthentic to authentic leadership, thus transforming the quality of millions of lives!” (Co-founders, CEO2, Co-creators of The Accidental CEO: A Leader's Journey from Ego to Purpose Additional Web Page Endorsements:

“Whether you are a researcher or a practitioner,Authentic Leadership and Followership is a must-read book for its contributions from cutting edge thinkers and leaders from around the world.  More, now than any other time in my lifetime, the world needs authentic leaders in business, education, religious institutions, and government. This book points the way.” (Judi Neal, Ph.D., CEO Edgewalkers International, author of Creating Enlightened Organizations)

“I am delighted with the publication of Authentic Leadership and Followership: International Perspectives edited by Dorianne Cotter-Lockard. Dr. Cotter-Lockard has pulled together work by important scholars from around the world all, of whom have distinguished careers in leadership development. Each of these chapters provides depth and perspective to issues in leadership which effect the outcomes and lives of all.  This book will encourage those concerned with the fate of organizations to seek higher standards of performance as well as insuring positive outcomes for the persons served by them.  This volume will contribute much to ongoing research and practice in organization development.” (Valerie Malhotra Bentz, PhD, Professor, School of Leadership Studies, Fielding Graduate University and Co-Editor, Contemplative Social Research: Caring for Self, Being and Lifeworld, Fielding University Press)

“This important book fills significant gaps, cross cultural, methodological, psychological, and organizational, in our understanding of how followers interpret leaders and leadership. Each chapter makes a theoretical or empirical contribution that enriches our knowledge of authentic leadership.” (Charles McClintock, Dean Emeritus, Fielding Graduate University)

“This book presents the much needed but often overlooked international perspective on authentic leadership. It compiles important essays and research papers, and will surely advance our knowledge as well as inspire practical applications.” (Claudia Peus, Professor of Research and Science Management, Technical University of Munich and Vice Dean of Executive Education, TUM School of Management, Germany)

“Authentic Leadership and Followership: International Perspectives is a bold attempt to cover three foundational points: definitions of authenticity/authentic leadership; emigration of the concepts to locations beyond Western borders; and questions of followership. The collection raises important questions, always a plus for any meaningful engagements with ideas, and provides examples of how to meld scholarship and practice.” (Margo Okazawa-Rey, Professor, School of Leadership Studies, Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California USA)

“Authentic leadership is necessary for meaningful results in work and personal life. Dr. Cotter-Lockard, with this important book, provides research relevant to authentic leadership from an international perspective providing data that reveals findings with regard to men and women's thoughts on leadership, from empathyas a leadership approach in Latin America to cultural ways to thinking about authentic leadership in South Africa. Leaders, scholars, and practitioners will benefit from this book as the global perspective is rich for how we view leaders and followers in today's world marketplace.” (Dr. Crystal J. Davis, University of Phoenix Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion)

“The literature on authentic leadership needs authentically to address some open questions. This volume addresses the intersection of two of those important gaps - exploring a set of issues relating to authentic leadership from follower and from international perspectives.” (Patrice E. Rosenthal, PhD, Program Director, PhDs in Human Development and Organizational Development and Change, Fielding Graduate University)

“This insightful collection of research and theory accentuates the importance of context in the study of authentic leadership, as well as the dynamic nature of the leader-follower relationship.  By considering the nuances of gender, national origin, and career stages, the authors provide thoughtful analyses of these intersections of identity and how they impact leaders and followers.” (Placida Gallegos, Chair, Inclusion Council & Faculty Member, School of Human and Organization Development, Fielding Graduate University)

Dorianne Cotter-Lockard holds a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems, and is a Fellow at the Institute for Social Innovation at the Fielding Graduate University, USA. She conducts research in the areas of team collaboration, leadership, coaching, music education, and spirituality in the workplace. Previously, she served as an executive of a Fortune 100 company, where she was a key member of a divisional ‘C-level’ leadership team. Dorianne is also the President of DCL Associates Inc., a consultancy devoted to mentoring young entrepreneurs to become conscious, collaborative leaders, and has presented papers and facilitated symposia at several international academic conferences, including the Academy of Management.