Repensando a Função Dirigir: uma Análise a partir de Livros Introdutórios de Administração

• Main Author: Maria Tereza Flores-Pereira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco 2010-01-01
• Series: GESTÃO.Org : Revista Eletrônica de Gestão Organizacional
• Online Access: http://www.revista.ufpe.br/gestaoorg/index.php/gestao/article/viewFile/15/12

The objective of this theoretical essay is to map the path through which the concept of leading has been built having as its main reference of analysis introductory management books. It also aims at pointing out some theoretical tendencies followed by a critical analysis of each. In order to achieve those objectives the classic function of the administrator, especially its role as a manager, and the history which provides an understanding of the change of the denomination of this role into the idea of leadership were investigated. Also the themes of leading, leadership and motivation were analyzed in introductory management books. The validity of the concepts presented in these books is discussed and their inherent logic is questioned. The book analysis led into questioning the following aspects: (a) the centrality attributed to the leader-administrator in the process of management; (b) the outdated view on the concept of motivation and the management practices resulting from this view; (c) the construction of a marked (and fictitious) difference between the manager and the leader. The final argumentation, which emerges from these questionings, proposes that the naturalized construction of a separation between leader/followers or administrator/subordinate has to be reviewed.