Has public leadership as we know it reached the end of its shelf life? Exploring leadership styles in the 21st century

Abstract

In this article, the aim is to question the relevance of well-known public leadership styles to the 21st century. The aim is buoyed by the notion that traditional leadership styles, even more so conventional ways of leading, will no longer ensure success, as 21st-century risks have had a considerable impact on the role and disposition of the public leader. The article draws on a qualitative review of academic papers and articles, documentary materials, surveys, and reports. An analysis of this material is used to gain a broad understanding of how public leadership styles are transforming under the impetus of the 21st century. The discussion is based on the challenges that public leaders are likely to face over the next decade, the pacesetters for public leaders to transform in the 21st century, and recommendations guiding public leadership styles for the 21st century.