Pierce and Newstrom's Leaders and the Leadership Process, 4e is a collection of readings, self-assessments, case studies and experiential exercises on leadership intended to give students a feel for the breadth and richness of this study. This paperback book provides students with a sense of the complexity associated with leadership in organizations as well as an understanding of the pieces that serve to define leadership. The text encourages students to engage in dialogue and to think critically about the leaders and the leadership process. Self-assessments, which begin most chapters of the book, encourage students to look at their own personal leadership style. A capstone section of Applications, in the form of case studies and experiential exercises, asks students to move beyond theory to the practice of leadership.

The authors use this combination of readings, self-assessments, and applications to create a "leadership mosaic" - one that encourages students to examine the concepts, propositions, perspectives, and theories one at a time as it builds towards the students ultimate unique leadership mosaic.