In an age characterized by rapid globalization, dynamic political landscapes, and ever-evolving organizational structures, the concepts of leadership and capacity building have become more vital than ever. Leadership is no longer confined to hierarchical positions or reserved for select individuals at the helm of governments or corporations. Instead, it has emerged as a universally relevant and essential competency that transcends disciplines, sectors, and social settings. The present textbook, “Leadership and Capacity Building” serves as a comprehensive and standard text on leadership and capacity development. It has been carefully designed to meet the academic and practical needs of undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly those studying in Indian universities and autonomous colleges that have adopted the NEP (National Education Policy) framework. The content reflects the evolving context of leadership education, offering both theoretical insights and real-world relevance to support learners in building essential leadership competencies and understanding capacity-building frameworks across disciplines.
The genesis of this book lies in the growing academic demand to understand leadership not merely as a theoretical abstraction but as a skill and a practice rooted in real-world application. Students and emerging professionals across diverse disciplines, whether in public administration, political science, management, social work, or development studies, require a comprehensive resource that provides clarity on the fundamental theories of leadership while also equipping them with the tools needed to lead effectively and ethically in contemporary society. This textbook aspires to bridge that gap by offering a robust combination of conceptual clarity, theoretical depth, and practical relevance.