Co-charismatic Leadership ― Critical Perspectives on Spirituality, Ethics and Leadership

Current theories of leadership, spirituality and ethics are inadequate for the global, rapidly changing and complex environment in which leaders work today. Emerging from this book’s critical analysis comes a new theory of leadership: co-charismatic leadership. This does not mean leadership focused in ‘charisma’, or the special qualities or charm of an individual. Charisma originates from the Greek word for gift or grace. Rather it emphasises the relational nature of charisma, as both shared throughout the community and dependent upon mutual relationships within the community. The charismata are in effect virtues, to be practised in the community by all members, hence the ‘co’ in the title.
The authors argue for a leadership that enables virtues, informed by the ongoing narrative of and dialogue in the community, to be practised in the community and beyond. These virtues enable the practice of responsibility, and taking that responsibility for ideas, values and practice is itself central to leadership. Through the practice of responsibility everybody in the organisation becomes a leader in some way. The task of the authorised leader is to enable all this.
This book will appeal to both practitioner and academic audiences alike as it provides an engaging mix of theory and practical application which tests and applies the concepts explored in a range of practical case studies.

Simon Robinson is Professor of Applied and Professional Ethics at Leeds Metropolitan University. Educated at the University of Oxford and the University of Edinburgh, Robinson became a psychiatric social worker before entering the Church of England priesthood in 1978. He entered university chaplaincy in Edinburgh and Leeds, developing research and lecturing in areas of applied ethics and business ethics. In 2004 he joined Leeds Metropolitan University. He has written and researched extensively in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, the nature and dynamics of responsibility, equality, ethics and culture, and ethics and care. He is co-general editor of the Peter Lang book series New International Studies in Applied Ethics, and director of the Centre for Governance, Leadership and Global Responsibility.
Jonathan Smith (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer at the Lord Ashcroft International Business School at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK, where he leads a number of innovative master’s level leadership and HRM courses. He coaches and supports leaders and HR professionals in the research, design and implementation of best practice initiatives. His current research, consulting and development interests are focused on organisational, team and individual transformation through spiritual leadership; development and training within the police; and sustainable development for businesses.