emerald PUBLISHING Social Ecology in Holistic Leadership: A Guide for Collaborative Organizational Development and Transformation

Many managers and consultants have academic backgrounds in business administration and are trained in contemporary management methods that focus on decision making and economic efficiency. The question is: Are these academic methods the best to further the development of society as well as organizations? Contemporary managers are looking for alternatives to traditional decision management tools, methods based on dialog which involve employees in the development process, methods which are more creative in their approach to decision making, methods which are more co-creative and collaborative, which in addition provide practical and holistic methods which can even be spiritually based. It is in this context that Social Ecology - the roots of which go back to the mid 1950's, developing further over the next 60 years - can be applied to leadership studies and their application. Social Ecology can be described as a holistic way of working which strives to create balance in organizations and human beings. The basic intent of social ecological thinking is to develop individuals who take free initiative in securing sustainable/healthy development in their communities, based on socially responsible actions within the inner life of organizations and within their local communities.This practical guide, with its sample exercises and seminars based on an understanding of social ecology, is a must for business students, managers and consultants. Review In his new book, Social Ecology in Holistic Leadership, Erik Lemcke gives facilitators, consultants and trainers invaluable insights and practical methods for healing social and organizational life. Clear, full of living images, theoretical perspectives and helpful case studies, it is a treasure chest waiting to be discovered and unpacked. I highly recommend it. -- Christopher Schaefer, Ph.D. Author of 'Vision in Action', 'Partnerships of Hope: Building Waldorf School Communities,'; and ';Re-Imaging America: Finding Hope in Difficult Times' Few books bring the depth of knowledge and about Personal, Organizational and Cultural Change then this one. This easy-to-read book traces the roots of Social Ecology and gives numerous tools to create deeply effective consultation and organizational health. It is a Must-Read for senior practitioners and academicians in the field of social, personal and organizational change. --Marc A. Silverman, Past President of International Organization Development AssociationDeeply grounded in tried and tested theory, methods and social processes arising from action research, this guide is a handy yet profound resource for guiding organizational renewal, and for thriving in this age of disruption. It's a real work of insight and love. --Martin Large, facilitator, author, Social Ecology (1981) and Common Wealth for a more free, equal , mutual and sustainable society (2010)As humanity moves from the age of competition to the age of collaboration, many people are beginning to realize that we need a shift in worldview and a shift in consciousness if we are to survive and are to create a flourishing and sustainable world. This Guide provides the framework for this shift as well as the tools and skills needed to get individuals, systems and humanity from what doesn t work to what works for all. --Judi Neal, Ph.D. CEO, Edgewalkers International Review "Few books bring the depth of knowledge and about Personal, Organizational and Cultural Change then this one. This easy-to-read book traces the roots of Social Ecology and gives numerous tools to create deeply effective consultation and organizational health. It is a Must-Read for senior practitioners and academicians in the field of social, personal and organizational change." -- Marc A. Silverman, Past President of International Organization Development Association About the Author Erik Lemcke is an Emeritus member of the Association for Social Development (ASD). He has a