The typical leadership study: Assumptions, implications, and potential remedies

Since the turn of the century, the area of leadership has seen notable growth in the amount of research conducted. As such, it now seems appropriate to evaluate how most leadership research is conducted, considering in particular the assumptions that are made when conducting the typical leadership study. Specifically, we explored the assumptions made with regard to (a) subordinates, (b) leaders, (c) context, and (d) the processes involved in leadership. Consideration of these assumptions reveals a number of problems ranging from simple methodological issues to more substantive theory-based concerns. Potential remedies are presented, along with a consideration of the long-term impact associated with the typical leadership study approach.