Andinia.com - Recommended bibliography for leadership courses

3.5.5)- Bibliography for leadership courses

'Discourse on Political Economy & the Social Contract', Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Oxford University Press, 1999, ISBN 0192835971.

It may seem to be otherwise, but a deep knowledge and comprehension of works such as Rousseau's is indispensable for really good leadership. Those leaders or aspiring persons should either learn this kind of things or forget altogether about quality leadership.

'Introduction to Logic', Irving E. Copi, Prentice Hall, 1998, ISBN 0130102024.

This book about logic is useful within the context of our leadership courses for two main reasons: firstly, it explains how to think scientifically, something which is fundamental for good management, and secondly, it teaches how to use the common language to influence positively other people.

'Protagoras, Philebus, and Gorgias (Great Books in Philosophy)', Plato, Benjamin Jowett (Tr.), Protagoras English, Plato Philebus, Prometheus Books, 1996, ISBN 1573920622.

Protagoras and Gorgias were the fathers of discourse. As polemic as they were, for many philosophers of their contemporary Greece didn't like what they were doing, these men created the basic principles of the art of talking in public. If you want to talk convincingly on any occasion, you should read what they had to say on the matter.

'Two Treatises of Government (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought)', John Locke, Laslett Peter (Ed.), Peter Laslett (Ed.), Cambridge University Press, 1988, ISBN 0521357306.

John Locke is one of the greatest political philosophers in the history of western culture. His works and theories define and explain how a human being is transformed from a natural individual, living as a savage, into a member of society. Indispensable reading in order to fully understand some principles of social organisation and leadership that we seem to take for granted sometimes.

'The First Voyage Around the World (1519-1522)', Antonio Pigafetta, Theodore J. Cachey (Editor), Marsilio Pub., 1995, ISBN 1568860056.

The first voyage around the world began by the hand of Magellan, the discoverer of Patagonia, and was finished by his surviving lieutenant, Elcano, and it was certainly the adventure of a lifetime for those few who survived it. Just one man in ten made it back, and 80% of the fleet was lost. Its legacy is, however, that of one of the greatest epics in the history of mankind and an example of extraordinary leadership against all odds, and as an example to follow, it is probably much more valuable than the deeds of many politicians, businesspeople and leaders of today.

'The Grip of Death: A Study of Modern Money, Debt Slavery and Destructive Economics', Michael Rowbotham, Jon Carpenter Publishing, 1998, ISBN 1897766408.

Someone said once that an expert is someone who has made all possible mistakes in a field. Well, in order to become an expert leader you will have to learn what is wrong with our current leadership philosophies, lifestyles and ideologies, and this book is a good place to start.

'Modern Organizations', Amitai Etzioni, Prentice Hall, 1997, ISBN 0135960495.

A classical book on the topic. It explains how social groups behave.

See also section (3.5.3) and (3.5.6) for other titles related to the courses in question.

You may purchase these titles right now by following the links on each one of the descriptions above

You will find bibliography for other distance learning courses here.