Constructive Developmental Theory: An Alternative Approach to Leadership

Leadership has been identified as essential for success in the 21st century and according to Bennis, "our quality of life amidst the volatility, turbulence and ambiguity of our present day societal context, depends on the quality of our leaders". Leadership research theory has been based on objective measures such as traits, attitudes and performance, intellect, personality, relationships, competencies, and values. Dietetic leadership studies are limited and describe these objective characteristics and leadership styles. Here, Hunter et al describe one theory of leadership development constructive developmental theory. Registered dietitians at advanced leadership stages can be identified and factors enabling their development can be studied. This theory provides a subjective approach for studying dietetic leadership and gives insight for leadership development programs.