The identification of leadership capabilities prior to the recruitment and selection of individuals for leadership roles

Writing and research in the field of leadership has reached voluminous proportions resulting in many perceptions of the leadership concept. Rather than attempting to reach consensus on what leadership is, it is posited that what matters, is what leadership is required to do. Knowing what is required of leadership assists in the identification of the leadership capabilities necessary to support a leader in delivering a leadership outcome. In the recruitment and selection of leaders it is crucial that the most appropriate leadership capabilities be identified prior to commencement of the process so that the person with the most suitable leadership capabilities is appointed. This thesis addresses the problem of the identification of leadership capabilities prior to the recruitment and selection of leaders through the development of a conceptual model that links the intent of the leadership role with performance outcomes and the context in which the leadership role resides.