This exercise is designed to highlight the importance and role of the context in the leadership process.

1. Individual/group work Select a leader and identify the contextual factors that affect his/her leadership. Consider various elements that may be relevant, such as the following:

a. Long-term historical, political, and economic factors or forces

b. Current contemporary forces, including social values, changes, and cultural factors

c. The immediate context, including organizational characteristics, the task, and followers 2. Discussion How do all these factors affect the leader? Do they hinder or help the leader achieve his/her goals?