Bella L. Galperin

This concise overview of the theories and practice of leadership in the African context is the first of its kind. Essentials of Leadership in Africa introduces leadership as an art and science to inspire confidence and support among the people who need to achieve common organisational goals. We present a framework of leadership which emphasises the role of the African context in better understanding leadership effectiveness. According to our model, leadership in Africa can be understood by focusing on the leader’s skills, motives, and behaviours; the leader’s role in developing teamwork and team leadership; and the organisational context. It is important to understand that leadership does not occur in a vacuum. Each chapter includes illustrative real-life examples, experiential exercises, short cases, and/or assessments. The book appeals to undergraduate and graduate students in Africa and/or other parts of the world who are interested in leadership on the African continent. In addition, managers, trainers, and practitioners can benefit from reading Essentials of Leadership in Africa.

This book considers the new business environment of modern-day Africa, addressing how management styles must adapt to societal changes across the continent. As investment in the continent grows and African businesses begin to look beyond their own borders, there comes a real need to understand leadership from an Afro-centric perspective. This book explores the similarities and differences across African countries, compares them with other regions, and identifies particular cultural realities that managers must consider in order to be successful in the new business environment of modern Africa. Building on their Leadership Effectiveness in Africa and the African Diaspora (LEAD) research project, the authors provide an empirical understanding of African leadership styles and how businesses can harness these more effectively. Drawing on the African Diaspora’s values, beliefs, and preferences, as well as anecdotal material from African academics andmanagers, this book grants a realistic view of leadership in various African countries including Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa. It will be invaluable to academics, students, and anyone interested in African and global business leadership from a non-Western perspective.

This book considers the new business environment of modern-day Africa, addressing how management styles must adapt to societal changes across the continent. As investment in the continent grows and African businesses begin to look beyond their own borders, there comes a real need to understand leadership from an Afro-centric perspective. This book explores the similarities and differences across African countries, compares them with other regions, and identifies particular cultural realities that managers must consider in order to be successful in the new business environment of modern Africa. Building on their Leadership Effectiveness in Africa and the African Diaspora (LEAD) research project, the authors provide an empirical understanding of African leadership styles and how businesses can harness these more effectively. Drawing on the African Diaspora’s values, beliefs, and preferences, as well as anecdotal material from African academics andmanagers, this book grants a realistic view of leadership in various African countries including Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa. It will be invaluable to academics, students, and anyone interested in African and global business leadership from a non-Western perspective.