Linking political and managerial leadership – a personal reflection

Abstract

Purpose – This paper provides researchers and practitioners with a personal reflection on the nature of the relationship between politicians and chief executives in UK local government. Design/methodology/approach – The paper sets the political/managerial relationship in context. It analyses the different motivations at play and the nature, similarities and differences of political and managerial leadership. It reflects on how these are interrelated using three key examples: a managerial crisis, a large capital project and longer term partnership working. Findings – The paper concludes that if political/managerial relationships are to be successful two-way insight is required: for political leaders this is insight into the managerial and operational realities that the organisation addresses. For managerial leaders this is insight into the political realities that leading politicians face. This goes beyond what has been traditionally posed as an impermeable barrier between the political and managerial spheres in public service. Research limitations/implications – The paper presents a personal view which has been triangulated with relevant leading politicians. Its analysis and conclusions are not tested in the light of a wider literature review. Further research is required to explore whether the suggestions of the findings would have validity in other contexts and how that might challenge traditional thinking about the nature of political and managerial leadership. Originality/value – The paper is original because very little is written about the nature of the relationship between political and managerial leaders. It will have value for academics considering the nature of public leadership, politicians thinking about how they work with managerial leaders and vice versa.