A contextual framework for assessing reconstructive prime ministerial success

Abstract

This article develops a framework for assessing political leadership success by comparing leaders in similar historical contexts. It finds that Nichols and Myers's three tasks of reconstruction can be used to assess the relative success of reconstructive prime ministers, but that the tasks are more complex than their original conception acknowledges. Examination of three reconstructive Australian prime ministers shows that the relationship between skill and context is intricate. Different skills and leadership styles are suited to different contexts but are also suited to different aspects of the shared context. Reconstructive leaders must also pay sufficient attention to tasks that are beyond their natural strengths.

Keywords:

• prime ministerial leadership
• political leadership success
• political time
• Australian political history