Introductory description

This module will explore what it means to be a leader, the challenges that leaders face in organisations and the skills that are required to be a successful leader.

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.

Topics to be examined will include:

• Trait approaches to leadership
• Style approaches to leadership
• Contingency approaches to leadership
• New Genre theories of leadership
• Leadership skills
• Effective team leadership
• Current topics in leadership

Learning outcomes

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

• Understanding of key leadership theories.
• Critical understanding of the role of leadership in organisations, and an awareness of the role of context.
• Awareness of critical current issues in leadership and of leading edge research in the field.
• Ability to assess and critique research on leadership.

Indicative reading list

Daft, R.L., Lane, P.G. The leadership experience (2018). Cengage Learning.
Buchanan, D.A.., Huczynski, A. Organizational behaviour (2017). Pearson.
DeRue, D. S., Nahrgang, J. D., Wellman, N., Humphrey, S. E. (2011). Trait and behavioral theories of leadership: An integration and meta-analytic test of their relative validity. Personnel Psychology, 64, 7-52.
Judge, T. A., Colbert, A. E., & Ilies, R. (2004). Intelligence and leadership: A quantitative review and test of theoretical propositions. Journal of Applied Psychology, 89(3), 542-552.
Morgeson, F. P., Reider, M. H., & Campion, M. A. (2005). Selecting individuals in team settings: The importance of social skills, personality characteristics, and teamwork knowledge. Personnel Psychology, 58(3), 583-611.
Northouse, P. G. (2010). Leadership: Theory and practice (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Thompson, L. L. (2011). Making the team: A guide for managers. 4th edition, International edition. Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
West, M. A. (2012). Effective teamwork: Practical lessons from organizational research., Oxford, Blackwell Publishing.
Yoo, Y., & Alavi, M. (2004). Emergent leadership in virtual teams: what do emergent leaders do? Information and Organization, 14(1), 27-58.
Zaccaro, S. J. (2007). Trait-based perspectives of leadership. American Psychologist, 62(1),6-16.

Subject specific skills

Application of knowledge and understanding of leadership theories to cases and real life situations.

Transferable skills

Written and verbal communication skills.
Analytical skills.
Research skills.
Time management skills.
Critical thinking skills.