“By detailing the competencies associated with leadership and doing so with great clarity, Monty Van Wart provides readers with a thorough understanding of leadership. And that, I would say, is the first step toward something we need a great deal—improved leadership at all levels of public service. This is a very valuable text.”

—ROBERT B. DENHARDT, Director, School of Public Affairs,

Arizona State University

Leadership in Public Organizations provides compact but comprehensive treatment of leadership for graduate students. In addition to a full review of the major theories of leadership, it covers the major competency clusters in detail, providing both the research on each competency as well as practical guidelines. These competencies are graphically portrayed in a Leadership Action Cycle that aids students in visually connecting theory and practice.

Important features include discussion questions and scenarios at the end of each chapter, numerous exhibits, and a leadership assessment instrument that may be freely reproduced.

Although designed for course use in a Public Administration program, Leadership in Public Organizations can also serve as a guidebook for professionals seeking insight into the role of successful leadership behavior in public sector management.