A new sociology of leadership – is it even possible? Although sociology’s classic thinkers, such as Max Weber, Florian Znaniecki, and Robert Merton, analysed the question of leadership, the topic later fell into disgrace and was overtaken by psychology, organisational development, and expansive leadership studies, which eventually constituted the field itself. Neglect of the theme of leadership, and its export solely to business or politics, left universities helpless in the face of the managerial revolution and political polarisation, which entered academia and eliminated models of leadership tailored to its needs. Just as the Central Eastern European management field was overridden by Western crusaders of leadership, so now the university has been colonised and bureaucratised with criteria and practices foreign to its spirit and mission. This process is apparent worldwide as well as in Poland, where the former ethos of the intelligentsia is being replaced with a new managerial, capitalist spirit.
The purpose of this issue of State of Affairs is to offer an integral theory of academic leadership that can inform real-world practices. The foundation of this integral model is the question of where (context or scene), who (leader), and why (goal) leadership is needed. By addressing all three facets, this theory aims to provide a foundation for a more hopeful academia. In this journey, we are guided by eminent academic leaders of the present who imagine for us and with us the university of the future.