In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the authors make a case rich in theory and narrative for a new reflexive approach to real life situations. This approach (immersed reflexivity) draws on Pierre Bourdieu's logic of practice and the complexity sciences.

'In inquiring into knowledge and leadership, and the connections between the two, these authors pull off an amazing feat; they not only demystify the fundamentals of reflexive research but do so in a vivid, informative and engaging way. Any researcher, especially any practitioner seeking to make better sense of their lived experience, will benefit from reading this book and should make it their first port of call. '

Linda Holbeche, Co-Director of the Holbeche Partnership and Visiting Professor at the Centre for Progressive Leadership at City of London University, UK

'As a successful leader, are you curious that the books on leadership often bear little resemblance to your daily practice? To explore this question seriously you may consider a PhD or other post-graduate qualification. The authors offer an insight into their personal reflexive search for academic knowledge that has in turn enabled them to better understand their own practice. Reading this book may help you to become more effective as a leader, or can be seen as an invitation to start your own doctoral research.'

Professor Nol Groot, Management and Complexity, PhD School, Open University in the Netherlands and former Member of the Executive Board of the Dutch National Railways

'The authors present viable and much needed research approaches to explore complex relationships within organizational cultures and the lived experiences of leaders and organizational participants. Using examples from their own research, they provide a strong balance between theory and practice, and engage the reader through use of metaphor, narrative storytelling and case-study methodologies. This book will be an extremely valuable resource for any research practitioner in the fields of organizational studies, educational leadership, higher education and management as well as those who seek to understand the social, emotional, and political layers and entanglements of organizational life.'

Sheri Klein, PhD, MFA, artist/educator/researcher and Professor (ret.) of Art Education, University of Wisconsin-Stout, USA.

Autorentext

Robert Warwick is Senior Visiting Fellow at Cass Business School, City University, London, UK, and works in strategic change and organisational development within organisations such as the UK's National Health Service. He is interested in complexity and how policy and strategy decisions come to affect people on the frontline. Douglas Board is a career and leadership coach with 18 years of experience in board-level executive search and is also author of Choosing Leaders and Choosing to Lead.

Inhalt
Introduction PART I: PART I: EXPERIENCING CURIOSITY 1. Two Cities Journeying between Research and Practice 2. In Practice Towards the Completion of Research PART II: A VISIT TO THE LIBRARY 3. On Knowledge Some Thoughts and Opportunities 4. On Leadership Some Thoughts and Opportunities 5. Complexity and Power Relations 6. Reflexivity Introductory Themes 7. Reflexivity Engaging with Pierre Bourdieu PART III: CREATING KNOWLEDGE 8. Immersed Reflexivity 9. Contribution to Leadership and Knowledge PART IV: INVITING ENGAGEMENT 10. In Practice beyond the Viva 11. In Practice Writing this Book and Beyond PART V: MAKING AN 'ENDING' AND OFFERING A 'BEGINNING' 12. A Practical Guide to Exploring Immersed Reflexivity 13. The Confluence of Knowledge and Leadership