What do you think?
Rate this book
Leadership for a Better World: Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development
Praise for Leadership for a Better World "What a powerful, very needed, and welcome sequel to A Social Change Model for Leadership Development Guidebook. It is a book for students, faculty, and everyone who engages in leadership for social change for a better world. It is an inspiring and liberating book in that it validates each one of us as we discover and practice the gifts we have been given." —Helen S. Astin, professor emerita of higher education and senior scholar, Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA "While simple schemes and models of leadership can have their appeal, the more challenging view proposed in Leadership for a Better World is not only more realistic but infinitely more fulfilling. This form of leadership calls us to look at our own deep yearnings and then respect those of others in the amazing global community of the twenty-first century." —Denny Roberts, assistant vice president for faculty and student services, Qatar Foundation "Positing that social change is at the heart of the leadership experience, Leadership for a Better World answers the question of 'leadership for what purpose?' Grounded in student experiences, this book includes student voices, stories, and contemporary case studies. Written in an informed and approachable tone, it provides a coherent set of guiding principles about how knowing oneself, meaningfully engaging with others, and adopting a systems perspective can promote the socially responsible leadership so needed in the world today." —Julie E. Owen, assistant professor, Leadership and Integrative Studies, George Mason University
496 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
10 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 7, 2011
Leadership for a Better World is a fantastic text to use with students who are interested in leadership development theory. The text provides a detailed description of the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, and is full of practical examples of each of the theory's concepts.
To some, the text could be seen as very elementary. On the contrary, I believe the value of the text is dependent heavily on the time dedicated to the application of the individual concepts. To do this well, the authors have supplied a fantastic instructor's guide that provides a breadth of activities, discussion topics, and teaching prompts for the instructor(s) to use.
We've used this text for the past three semesters as one of two in our upper-division course, "Socially Responsible and Ethical Leadership for Change" - designed for college Juniors and Seniors - and I am very pleased.
To some, the text could be seen as very elementary. On the contrary, I believe the value of the text is dependent heavily on the time dedicated to the application of the individual concepts. To do this well, the authors have supplied a fantastic instructor's guide that provides a breadth of activities, discussion topics, and teaching prompts for the instructor(s) to use.
We've used this text for the past three semesters as one of two in our upper-division course, "Socially Responsible and Ethical Leadership for Change" - designed for college Juniors and Seniors - and I am very pleased.
Read
April 4, 2025Book Review: Leadership for a Better World: Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development by Susan R. Komives and Wendy Wagner
Leadership for a Better World: Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development is a seminal text authored by Susan R. Komives and Wendy Wagner that offers a comprehensive framework for understanding leadership as a vehicle for social change. This book is significant in the field of leadership studies, particularly in higher education contexts, as it articulates the Social Change Model of Leadership Development (SCM), which emphasizes collaborative and inclusive leadership practices aimed at fostering positive societal transformation.
Content Overview
The book is structured around the SCM framework, which the authors dissect into several integral components:
Core Values of Leadership: Komives and Wagner emphasize values such as equity, social justice, and community service as foundational to effective leadership. They argue that true leadership is rooted in a commitment to these values, promoting a sense of responsibility among leaders to engage with their communities.
Collaborative Leadership: A central tenet of the SCM is the idea that leadership is inherently a collaborative process. The authors highlight the importance of teamwork and collective action in addressing social issues, illustrating how diverse perspectives can enhance problem-solving and innovation.
Developmental Process: The text outlines leadership as an evolving process rather than a static trait. Komives and Wagner detail the stages of leadership development, from individual self-awareness to group collaboration and community engagement, encouraging readers to view leadership as a lifelong journey.
Practical Applications: Throughout the book, the authors provide practical strategies and tools for implementing the SCM in various contexts, particularly within educational institutions. They include case studies and exercises designed to help readers apply the principles of the model in real-world situations.
Research and Theory: The authors ground their discussions in extensive research, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative studies in leadership theory. This scholarly approach adds credibility to their arguments and offers a solid foundation for understanding the principles of the SCM.
Critical Analysis
Leadership for a Better World stands out for its holistic and inclusive approach to leadership. Komives and Wagner’s ability to intertwine theory with practical applications makes the text accessible and relevant for a diverse audience, including educators, students, and organizational leaders. The emphasis on social change and community engagement resonates strongly in today’s context, where issues of equity and justice are increasingly at the forefront of public discourse.
However, some readers may find that the theoretical underpinnings could be further expanded with more detailed empirical evidence or case studies demonstrating the efficacy of the SCM in varied settings. Additionally, while the book promotes an optimistic view of leadership as a tool for social change, it could benefit from a more critical examination of the challenges and barriers leaders might face in this pursuit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Leadership for a Better World: Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development by Susan R. Komives and Wendy Wagner is an essential resource for anyone interested in the dynamics of leadership in the context of social change. The authors provide a nuanced and practical framework that encourages collaborative and value-driven leadership practices. This book is highly recommended for scholars and practitioners alike, as it not only enriches the understanding of leadership development but also inspires a commitment to creating a more just and equitable world through effective leadership. Through its insightful analysis and practical guidance, Leadership for a Better World serves as a call to action for current and future leaders to embrace their roles in fostering positive societal transformations.
Leadership for a Better World: Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development is a seminal text authored by Susan R. Komives and Wendy Wagner that offers a comprehensive framework for understanding leadership as a vehicle for social change. This book is significant in the field of leadership studies, particularly in higher education contexts, as it articulates the Social Change Model of Leadership Development (SCM), which emphasizes collaborative and inclusive leadership practices aimed at fostering positive societal transformation.
Content Overview
The book is structured around the SCM framework, which the authors dissect into several integral components:
Core Values of Leadership: Komives and Wagner emphasize values such as equity, social justice, and community service as foundational to effective leadership. They argue that true leadership is rooted in a commitment to these values, promoting a sense of responsibility among leaders to engage with their communities.
Collaborative Leadership: A central tenet of the SCM is the idea that leadership is inherently a collaborative process. The authors highlight the importance of teamwork and collective action in addressing social issues, illustrating how diverse perspectives can enhance problem-solving and innovation.
Developmental Process: The text outlines leadership as an evolving process rather than a static trait. Komives and Wagner detail the stages of leadership development, from individual self-awareness to group collaboration and community engagement, encouraging readers to view leadership as a lifelong journey.
Practical Applications: Throughout the book, the authors provide practical strategies and tools for implementing the SCM in various contexts, particularly within educational institutions. They include case studies and exercises designed to help readers apply the principles of the model in real-world situations.
Research and Theory: The authors ground their discussions in extensive research, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative studies in leadership theory. This scholarly approach adds credibility to their arguments and offers a solid foundation for understanding the principles of the SCM.
Critical Analysis
Leadership for a Better World stands out for its holistic and inclusive approach to leadership. Komives and Wagner’s ability to intertwine theory with practical applications makes the text accessible and relevant for a diverse audience, including educators, students, and organizational leaders. The emphasis on social change and community engagement resonates strongly in today’s context, where issues of equity and justice are increasingly at the forefront of public discourse.
However, some readers may find that the theoretical underpinnings could be further expanded with more detailed empirical evidence or case studies demonstrating the efficacy of the SCM in varied settings. Additionally, while the book promotes an optimistic view of leadership as a tool for social change, it could benefit from a more critical examination of the challenges and barriers leaders might face in this pursuit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Leadership for a Better World: Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development by Susan R. Komives and Wendy Wagner is an essential resource for anyone interested in the dynamics of leadership in the context of social change. The authors provide a nuanced and practical framework that encourages collaborative and value-driven leadership practices. This book is highly recommended for scholars and practitioners alike, as it not only enriches the understanding of leadership development but also inspires a commitment to creating a more just and equitable world through effective leadership. Through its insightful analysis and practical guidance, Leadership for a Better World serves as a call to action for current and future leaders to embrace their roles in fostering positive societal transformations.
October 23, 2023
Had to read for school. I found it pretty interesting!
November 11, 2016
An excellent compendium relevant for a college class learning about leadership, service learning or social change. Laden with great quotes, quality writing, discussion and journaling questions and case study explorations, you can use portions of the book or the entire book. With chapters like "Collaboration," "Consciousness of Self," "Becoming a Change Agent," and "Controversy with Civility," all ideas brought forward are meaningful to those looking to be better and do better in multiple contexts, but probably more specifically in college/university settings.
Read
December 18, 2015Great book to read through for leadership work, especially within the realm of Higher Education & Student Affairs. Our Housing and Residential Education department is using it as a framework for the construction of both our residential curriculum and an upcoming leadership class we just wrote the syllabus for.
July 13, 2010
a great primer for understanding and utilizing the Social Change Model of leadership with college students. it breaks down each "C" with full examples, case studies, and easily understood definitions and charts/graphs.
December 24, 2010
The book outlines the 7 C's of the Social Change Model of Leadership and how to implement them within an organization or a program.
I think it's a must read for anyone interested in College Student Leadership, Student Affairs, etc.
I think it's a must read for anyone interested in College Student Leadership, Student Affairs, etc.
December 29, 2015
This book was required reading for a course. I do not usually keep textbooks but I will be keeping this one. It is a quick read but still contains tons of useful information.
May 7, 2015
Another one for my graduate program.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews