THE POTENTIAL FOR THE DARK SIDE OF LEADERSHIP IN POST COMMUNIST COUNTRIES

Over the years, much attention has been devoted to the functional aspe cts of leadership. In light of the continuing crises facing transformi ng former communist countries to some form of capitalism, a better und erstanding and analysis of the so-called ''dark-side'' of leadership n ow seems appropriate. After setting the historical and cultural founda tions in these transforming countries, the characteristics and reasons for the potential of this negative side of leadership is examined. Th is article concludes by analyzing and making observations about the ap plicability of positive, more democratic leadership approaches in post -communist countries.