This book is an unbiased account of events in numerous business scenarios that I have either experienced, observed, or researched. The objective is not to paint a negative picture of corporate selection processes or behavior, but to reflect upon the leadership selection decisions and the consequences of those decisions - both positive and negative. This book also summarizes the steps of conducting a qualitative research study, and provides a glimpse of the impact to American business and American society as a result of corporate leadership selection.
The intent of the excerpts in this book on leadership selection is to touch the conscious of those who willing contributed to unethical/immoral corporate leadership behavior; strike a nerve in those who have the moral courage to blow the whistle on their observed corporate wrongdoing; and open the hearts of those who will encounter questionable leadership activity in the future to respond and curtail such events. This book is geared toward existing corporate leaders; newly selected corporate leaders; those who aspire to become corporate leaders; and students who study and research corporate leader selection. The U.S. remains the greatest country in the world. It is fueled by successful American corporations. However, like any other entity or process, there is always room for improvement.
Dr. Reginald Gardner is a senior business executive with a proven and distinguished track record in successful delivery of business solutions - predominately through the use of information technology. Dr. Gardner has served in a leadership capacity in Fortune 500 Companies in the insurance, oil, and retail industries. He has an extensive background of accomplishments in Leadership, Business Transformation, Information Technology, Project Management, Resource Management, and Research.
Dr. Gardner received his doctoral degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. He holds an MBA from Lewis University, and a Bachelors of Science Degree from Illinois State University. In addition, Dr. Gardner is certified in Leadership and Management from the prestigious Executive Education Program at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Dr. Gardner is an adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix and at National-Louis University. He teaches Organizational Theory and Behavior, Supervision and Leadership, and Introduction to Research Utilization. He is also a member of the Academy of Management, and has been listed in the International Who's Who in Technology.
Finally, Dr. Gardner has done extensive research in the area of leadership selection, starting at the CEO level. He has conducted qualitative research with CEOs, corporate board members, HR professionals, and executive search firm personnel involved in CEO selection. Dr. Gardner currently serves as Vice President and Chief Information Officer of a privately-owned luxury motor coach company.
There are an infinite number of books written on leadership. Significant research has been conducted on leadership selection and leadership effectiveness. Institutions of higher learning have enhanced executive education programs and business school curriculum to address the need for sound business leadership.
Annually, there are an infinite number of leadership conferences, forums, and seminars. As a result of technological advancements, there are now blogs, newsletters, and webinars used for delivering leadership techniques. With all of the energy exerted to develop and train business leaders, why are there so many once-highly successful companies struggling, downsizing, merging, and failing?