Leadership in Social Work: A Case of Caveat Emptor?
Lawler, John A.
Lawler, John A.
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2009-07-13
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Abstract
This article examines the current interest in leadership in general and the growing interest in leadership in social work, in particular. It highlights the lack of a generalized definition of the word and the different ways it is interpreted in social work. The implicit assumptions on which much leadership writing appears to be founded are noted. Leadership can be seen as a further development of the managerial agenda, from one perspective, or as a countervailing factor maintaining professional autonomy, from another. In considering some of the components of leadership as identified by some in the field, the paper considers the extent to which these skills are exclusive to leadership and asks whether they might already be present but overlooked in the profession. The paper concludes that expectations of leadership within social work would benefit from debate and clarification if this is to be a useful future theme.
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Lawler JA (2007) Leadership in Social Work: A Case of Caveat Emptor? British Journal of Social Work. 37(1): 123-141.
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