Introduction: Leading Diversity in The 21ST Century: Developing High-Quality Connections

This chapter reviews current leadership research and practice, noting that despite the increase in studies of leadership, attention to diversity in the literature remains piecemeal and sparse. This persists despite the challenges faced by leaders in the development of quality relationships with diverse followers. Key workforce trends are highlighted, and the implications for leading diversity in the 21st century are noted. There is a need for new perspectives on diversity given these trends. To provide an overview of this edited volume, a unifying framework based upon the development of high-quality connections (HQCs) from the perspective of positive organizational scholarship is discussed. Key perspectives from positive organizational scholarship (POS) including exchange, identity, growth, and learning are presented, noting how HQCs might enhance leaders’ ability to connect with diverse followers from each of these four perspectives. Next, the role of how HQCs can help leaders shape positive identities for followers is discussed, noting recent research on multiple identities and identity negotiation. An overview of the edited volume is presented, noting the contributions of each chapter to the development of HQCs. In conclusion, considerations and recommendations for practice are presented.