The "Outsider" Leader in Business: Towards a Greater Understanding

While business leadership is widely explored, the concept of the "outsider" leader has received limited coverage. This is surprising as research affirms the value of an outside perspective and the need for... [ view full abstract ]

While business leadership is widely explored, the concept of the "outsider" leader has received limited coverage. This is surprising as research affirms the value of an outside perspective and the need for originality/innovation in organisations. However, previous studies also highlight disadvantages that outsiders face including their lack of credibility, knowledge and vital relationships. While helpful, we contend that a more fundamental understanding of the outsider leader in business is needed. In order to contribute to such an understanding, this paper goes beyond the business and social science literature as we widen our lens into different contexts (other literature/sports/politics) for new insights. Our findings highlight how certain aspects of the outsider leader already exist in the business/social science literature, but that there are other important elements which are not apparent. We conclude by succinctly identifying these elements (in tabular and figure format) and next steps for this new vein of research.