Abstract
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought war back once more to the European continent, and the importance of leadership to the fore. What is the role of the individual in history? How does dictatorial leadership embed itself within a vast country, and what leadership approaches are needed to resist it?
Examples of apparently successful leadership exist – see Suze Wilson (2020), for one example in the case of Covid. But we need to develop a better understanding of what works and what hinders organisations, communities and countries from developing better models of leadership more widely.
It remains noticeable that most leadership research has little to say about these issues. Rather, it remains preoccupied by relatively small-scale questions, usually addressed by survey methods that tend to reaffirm rather than challenge extant theorising. As Mats Alvesson and Dan Karreman (2016) have mischievously suggested: ‘Sometimes one even gets the impression that leadership “as such” – practices, interactions, relations – is of less interest for researchers than questionnaire filling behavior.’
In keeping with its traditions, this conference aspires to do better. We seek papers that ask big questions about important issues. We conceive these problems broadly, and not just in terms of business organisations. Submissions that address leadership in politics, the issue of climate change, the growth of social inequality and other significant global issues are particularly welcome. Dominant leadership theories (transformational, authentic, servant and others) seem pitifully inadequate in terms of addressing the problems that humanity faces. We welcome papers that outline new ways of theorising about leadership and that challenge mainstream approaches. The journal Leadership, with which this conference is closely associated, increasingly publishes papers with varied formats and novel methodologies. This conference also welcomes imaginative approaches and innovative methods.
We therefore accept submissions that connect in multiple forms to the conference theme of Leadership and the Future of Humanity.
Submissions
We welcome submissions that particularly address the following topics: - Critiques of populist, authoritarian, dictatorial leadership; - Examples of leadership that successfully addresses the human aspects of our society and organisations; - Theorisations of leadership that address the fundamental problems facing our planet (from racism to climate change); - Ethics and leadership; - Reflexive leadership; - Methodological challenges of studying leadership and followership.
Whilst we encourage submissions linked to the conference theme, we will also welcome abstracts on any theme linked to research on leadership and allied fields.
We accept theoretical papers, empirical papers and methodological papers that explore leadership from a variety of perspectives, voices and contextual backgrounds. Our selection process will ensure inclusivity, diversity and plurality. Proposed papers will be reviewed by the conference organisers and invited individuals prominently associated with the journal Leadership.
Paper submissions
Authors are invited to submit a 750 word abstract, excluding references, by Sunday 10 July 2022.
Authors of accepted abstracts will be required to prepare a 10–15 minute oral presentation
All submissions should be submitted via the submissions form [link] and be:
A word or PDF file
Written in English
Indicate word count
Any conference enquiries can be directed to
Decisions will be communicated to authors on 10 September 2022.
Conference fees
Please note that conference fees do not include hotel accommodation.
Keynote Speakers
We are delighted to announce our keynote speakers.
Professor Donna Ladkin (see https://www.antioch.edu/faculty/donna-ladkin)
Dr Suze Wilson (see https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/expertise/profile.cfm?stref=319250)
Professor Mats Alvesson (see https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/mats-alvesson)
Dr Thomas Fisher (see https://www.unige.ch/gsem/en/research/faculty/all/thomas-fischer/)
Key Dates:
Monday 28th March – Submissions open
Friday 8th July – Submissions close
Monday 18th July – Registration Opens
Monday 12th September – Notification of Submissions
Monday 10th October – Early Bird Registration ends
Monday 31st October – Registration Closes
Sunday 11th December – Arrival and reception
Monday 12th December – 9.00–5.30 conference, dinner 7 to late
Tuesday 13th December – 9.30–5.00 conference
There will be a conference dinner at the Conference venue on 12th December. The cost of this is included in the conference fee.
Location and Venue:
With sun, sea, great places to eat and an array of independent shops, cafes and bars, Brighton is a lively, cosmopolitan seaside city famous for its quirky charm.
The conference will be held in the lovely Brighton Hilton Metropole Hotel. This faces the seafront, with access to Brighton City Centre. It contains an indoor pool and fitness centre.
Introducing the conference team
Conference organisers:
Dennis Tourish, Professor of Leadership and Organization Studies, University of Sussex Business School. Email:
Zahira Jaser, Assistant Professor, University of Sussex Business School. Email:
Conference manager: Aristea Markantoni (Research Engagement and Events Officer). Email: