Leading through discontinuous change: a typology of problems and leadership approaches in UK boards

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Morais, F. orcid id iconORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1297-6556, Kakabadse, A. orcid id iconORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0031-7767 and Kakabadse, N. orcid id iconORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9517-8279 (2020) Leading through discontinuous change: a typology of problems and leadership approaches in UK boards. Long Range Planning, 53 (2). 101870. ISSN 0024-6301 doi: 10.1016/j.lrp.2019.02.003

Abstract/Summary

Discontinuous change and leadership behavior are subjects that have been extensively studied, but rarely from the directors’ perspective. This study draws on in-depth, elite interviews with directors of large UK listed companies. It applies a grounded theory approach to data analysis, to explore how problems arising from discontinuous change influence board leadership dynamics and outcomes. The findings indicate that, when facing “wicked problems” (internal-relational or external-hostile), the chair of the board either takes the leadership role or a collaborative, joint leadership role with the CEO. When facing “tame” problems (transformational-internal or industry-external), a new CEO is often appointed to undertake an extensive diagnosis of the problem and take the lead, with the chair acting as a vigilant monitor. These findings are integrated into a typology of problems and board leadership approaches, augmenting the literature on complex problems. The study extends the application of agency and stewardship theories of board leadership by characterizing problems as contingencies that influence board leadership arrangements. It follows that regulators and boards alike should recognize the contextual nature of board leadership and leadership succession, and adopt a less prescriptive approach. KEYWORDS: Discontinuous change; Wicked problems; Tame problems; Board leadership; CEO; Chairperson.

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Item Type Article
URI https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/82273
Identification Number/DOI 10.1016/j.lrp.2019.02.003
Refereed Yes
Divisions Henley Business School > Leadership, Organisations, Behaviour and Reputation
Publisher Elsevier
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