Leadership Research

The best research on leadership is equal parts rigorous and relevant. Leadership work at NYU Wagner explores how leadership is practiced to make change. We conduct our research with leaders rather than on them, to understand leadership with an authentic voice.

Our research looks to shift from a heroic leader discourse to understanding leadership as a collective achievement. This inclusive and relational view emphasizes how all kinds of people and organizations can take up leadership for the public good. It also demands that researchers work with practitioners to together identify key issues in leadership theory and practice.