This book aims to increase the level of interest and understanding of leadership within the academic context and to demonstrate the relevance of leadership for contemporary United Kingdom universities. The book considers the concept of leadership and its appropriateness and usefulness for nonprofit professional organizations such as universities, the nature of academic institutions and their external environments, the impact of university traditions of individual autonomy and consensus decision making on the successful exercise of leadership, and the relevance of leadership models developed in other contexts. Chapters of the book focus on: (1) concept of leadership in popular and analytical terms; (2) leadership within an organizational setting; (3) nature and relevance of leadership in universities; (4) two key leadership roles--Vice Chancellor and the Head of Department; (5) collective leadership within senior management groups; (6) opportunities for leadership at the individual level among all members of staff; (7) relationship between leadership and learning; (8) leadership development in universities; and (9) challenges for academic leadership in the future. (Contains approximately 330 references.) (JDD)