Book Review: Exploring Distance in Leader–Follower Relationships: When Near is Far and Far is Near

Abstract

can resolve the issue of bad leadership, or only helps to hide it. One could dare an even more provocative question: Even if “good leadership” is possible, is it necessary? While in politics leaders seem unavoidable, it is doubtful if professionalized organizations – common even in the third sector – need them. Guides may be needed in an unknown terrain, and managers to create infrastructures aiding professionals’ work, but professionals are supposed to be led by the values of their professions, are they not? Leadership as a form of control becomes less and less important, as there are very few opportunities in contemporary societies for direct supervision. Control at a distance has become crucial; corporations spread their branches all over the globe; people telecommute, and work from home. It seems that formal leaders are increasingly responsible for marketing – of their companies, public agencies or states. Perhaps “good leadership” in present times is limited to a task of representation. The debate should continue, but there is no doubt that bad leadership must be opposed, and that organization scholars can play an important role in such opposition.