Abstract
Leadership definitions are foundational to leadership theories. The survey assessed awareness and support level for definitions and theoretical positions among practitioners and professors. Eleven definitions and seven theorists were included. Although professors and practitioners appeared to be oblivious to the logical contradictions which existed in the eleven definitions, those from Rost and Covey had more popular support than might be expected from levels of awareness. Stumbling blocks to endorsement of definitions were judged to be authority words and some philosophic overtones. The need for consensus on standards for defining leadership was recognized. Implications for the hiring of superintendents were discussed.
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