The Conductorless Orchestra: Lessons on Shared Leadership

Abstract

As we move from the knowledge economy to the creative economy, a new form of leadership is necessary. Now that organizations tend to have a flatter hierarchy, expertise, knowledge, and influence are more evenly distributed across them. Thus, traditional top-down models of leadership where authority and influence come from the top, will not be as effective.

There is a growing impetus for organizations to practice shared leadership. This case presents the example of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra – an orchestra that has no conductor. By contrasting the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with orchestras with a conductor, students can draw lessons on shared forms of leadership. In particular, students can reflect on how the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra can perform successfully without a central leadership figure conducting from the podium.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

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