New to this edition:

* a chapter titled `Skills Approach', which focuses on the essential competencies leaders need to achieve effective performance

* new research sources, innovative models, new case studies, new figures and tables, additional research-based applications, and expanded discussions of current issues in leadership research

* new and expanded discussions of transformational leadership, team leadership, the psychodynamic approach, women and leadership and leadership ethics.

Northouse's third edition of Leadership: Theory and Practice is one of the clearest presentations of the major theories and concepts of leadership available in print anywhere. It should be required reading for every leadership program.

The third edition of Leadership by Northouse provides students with a powerful introduction to the strengths and limits of the social science strand of research in leadership. It provides application for undergraduates while for graduate students, it provides the context needed to plunge into reading research and developing research questions. At the same time, the book raises significant questions about the link between leadership and ethics and values.

Peter Northouse has produced a leadership textbook that is accessible to students, but solidly grounded in theory and research. He avoids the `trap' of making leadership appear too easy or trite, keeping his book serious and scholarly, but still interesting and enjoyable to read. I would feel confident that a student assigned Leadership: Theory and Practice is getting a sound introduction to the field.

I have used Leadership: Theory and Practice for the past four years as the primary text for an undergraduate leadership course that I teach. The comprehensive nature of the chapters, critiques, exercises, self-assessment instruments, and case studies make it very user-friendly for students and faculty.

In his Third Edition, Northouse continues to update and enhance his leadership book. As a textbook for college students, the author provides an outstanding bridge between the research developments and the practical uses for leadership theory. His case study examples are contemporary, intriguing, and enticing to students and teachers who seek enhancement to their study of leadership.

Peter G. Northouse (Ph.D., University of Denver) is Professor of Communication at Western Michigan University. For more than 20 years, he has taught leadership and organizational communication on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He is the author of Leadership: Theory and Practice, (3rd ed), 2003, SAGE Publications. In addition to several book chapters, he has also published many articles in professional journals and is co-author of Health Communication: Strategies for Health Professionals, (3rd ed.), Prentice-Hall. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Health Communication. His research interests include leadership ethics, transformational leadership, and conflict resolution. He has worked as a consultant in a variety of areas, including leadership development, conflict management, cancer communication, and organizational communication. He holds a doctorate in speech communication from the University of Denver, and a master's and bachelor's degree in communication education from Michigan State University.