Chapter 1: An Introduction to Leadership, Communication, and Social Influence

As the title indicates, this book explores the connections between leadership and communication – both of which are pervasive and emblematic of our times in their own right, and for a reason. Leadership and communication are both regarded as vitally important across contexts, including, but not limited to, politics, business, sports, health, education, religion, and the military. This book is designed for leadership and communication students, scholars, and practitioners who are interested in how these two fields relate to, intersect with, and build upon one another. Our focus is on the way leadership dynamics are described and understood, and the way those understandings are translated into practice across contexts and at multiple levels, from small, informal work groups to the complex interactions that occur on the national and international stages.