Despite the multiplication of social problems and institutions dealing with them (and in part because of this increase in social complexity) there is a shortage of individuals with the qualities necessary for leadership.
Claim
Institutions are changing in ways that their leaders cannot always grasp. The relative simplicity of situations in which good and evil, and right and wrong could be easily and unambiguously distinguished has been superceded by a state of confusion and pessimism and a sense that real problems are so complex and technical that the traditional methods of leadership are inadequate. Leaders are exposed to serious internal doubts, uncertainty and strife over their precise functions and the correctness of their decisions; in addition they are increasingly subject to heavy scrutiny and criticism in the media, which over-exposes them, introducing doubt and over-familiarizing the public with the individuals in question. The traditionally most visible leadership roles are no longer the best remunerated and therefore no longer attract the best talent. The incumbents of such roles are faced with a proliferation of demands, claimants, constituents, contending groups and problems which cannot be harmonized in such a way as to reinforce their positions.