Democratic leadership as a political weapon: competition between fictions and practices

Purpose This article aims to analyze possible interpretations of democratic leadership by revealing the implicit theory (ILT) a moral, material and political ideal democracy, namely deliberative–participatory democracy (DPD), aggregative–pluralist (APD) leader (LD). As special “filters,” ILT helps author organize compare conflicting premises assumptions theories hold about exemplary followership. Design/methodology/approach In order reconstruct meanings (challenges knowledge) followership (power relations, interactions roles) portrayed theories, sets specific template for conceptual analysis. Findings The argues that there is contest over meaning leadership. Political leaders use fictions as weapons mobilize followers, legitimize their actions discredit opponents. creates heuristic typology providing “plural” or nonessentialist reading actual situations practices. Originality/value literature usually find an absolute moral understanding fitted in reconcile idea with democracy. Extending J. Thomas Wren's approach, this examines competing blending theories.