Introductory description

Overall, in this module, we will draw on great plays, certain philosophical writings, and strands of psychology to get insights into the complexity of human beings, their motives, choices and actions. The point of it is not to celebrate that complexity but to understand it, in order to make better choices in organising and managing people. The phronimos (prudent, practically wise) is one who acknowledges complexity and tries to deal creatively with it; one who takes theoria (contemplation) seriously precisely because one wishes to see a little bit more clearly than before and, therefore, wishes to act more wisely.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Introduction to main theories of judgment, and why and how judgment matters in leadership.
• Explain how "quite leadership" involves judgment.
• Introduction to Aristotle's virtue ethics, emphasizing the importance of character, virtue, and practical wisdom.
• The role of emotions in positively and negatively shaping judgment.
• Why and how authenticity matters in leadership and judgment, with a particular emphasis on existentialist ideas.
• The perilous effects of narcissism on the exercise of leadership judgment, and how they may be avoided.
• The pitfalls of judgment – cognitive biases and errors.
• Complexity, uncertainty and judgment – How leaders may complicate themselves to develop a more refined capacity for judgment.
• Throughout, case studies, role-play, and drama acting will be used. Students will be asked to reflect on dilemmas they had faced at work and how they sought to overcome them.
• Shakespeare's Othello and King Lear, Sophocles' Antigone, Miller's Death of Salesman, and Frayn's Copenhagen will be drawn upon.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate appreciation of the ambiguity, contradiction and complexity of leadership through drawing on literature.
• Demonstrate self-knowledge for effective leadership.
• Develop capacity to understand organizational life through focusing on selected philosophical texts.
• Demonstrate refined judgment and sharpened practical wisdom.
• Demonstrate developed critical insights.
• Demonstrate ability to frame problems, choices, and weigh what is at stake.
• Develop complex thinking.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

Demonstrate ability to perceive, analyze, and synthesize challenges faced by leaders, in a variety of contexts.
Demonstrate appreciation of moral dilemmas and conflicts in leadership contexts.
Demonstrate judgment and developed ways for framing leadership dilemmas.
Analyse works of literature and art and relate them to leadership.

Transferable skills

Develop problem framing and problem solving skills.
Written communication.
Oral communication.
Develop self-knowledge and judgement.