Review of Public Administration and Management

Abstract

An Operational Definition of Effective Leadership: Was Covey Right?

David Spohn

Given the recent discussion of leadership, specifically in Public Administration, this brief overview compares ideas proposed by Stephen R. Covey in his 1989 book entitled, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to current literature of leadership theory. A current perspective on these habits is the focus. No evidence is found in contrast to Covey’s suggested habits as compared to ethical leadership theory, authentic leadership theory, transformational leadership theory, servant leadership theory, and leader-member exchange theory, and it remains a recommended reference for effective leadership.