Franz Kafka and the Truths of Leadership

In this innovative addition to the New Horizons in Leadership Studies series, Leah Tomkins explores Franz Kafka’s expertise in the exercise of power, emphasising his own work as a leader. Through extensive primary research and original translation, she combines literary and philosophical critique with analysis of contemporary figures to craft a manifesto for leadership relations.

The book begins by using six of Kafka’s best-known stories to examine six prominent models of leadership, including authentic, relational and transformational leadership. Tomkins then discusses what these interpretations tell us about the tactics of good and bad leadership, particularly in relation to communication of the truth. This is relevant for leadership across the ages, but especially for a ‘post-truth’ world where facts are often overpowered by fictions and fantasies.



Providing a unique perspective on one of the most prominent writers in the modern canon, this book offers profound insights for scholars and students of leadership, language, discourse and literature. It will delight Kafka enthusiasts and prove enlightening reading for all those interested in the politics of leading and misleading in a digital age.