Abstract
This chapter provides an essential foundation for the volume. It introduces the overarching themes and constituent chapters, outlining the diverse methodological approaches used within the book. This chapter situates leadership development within the evolving field, examining its current challenges and the state of scholarship and practice today.
It offers a critical overview and outlook for future studies in leadership and leadership development, identifying emerging questions and research opportunities. This forward-looking perspective sets the stage for the volume's exploration of leadership as a dynamic and multifaceted field. It encourages readers to consider leadership development from critical perspectives that challenge traditional norms, inviting them to engage with new models and approaches to meet the demands of today's complex, diverse, and changing environment.