Introductory description

The module combines theories of leadership and innovation with methods of critical self-reflection in order for students to develop their own values-focused creative, cultural and media practices as leaders of innovative projects in the media, cultural and creative industries, as well as other industries where creativity and media play a strong role. The module explores the evolution of innovation, leadership and creativity within arts and cultural sector working and professions.

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.

Part 1: Rethinking leadership in the media and creative industries

• Introduction to leadership theory – transformational vs. transactional; charismatic leadership; top-down vs. bottom up; ‘situated’ leadership; gendered leadership (‘soft’ vs. ‘hard’ skills’. How do these models map onto the realities of the cultural sector?
• Towards new kinds of leadership: flat hierarchies and multitasking; cooperative and collective approaches to leadership in the cultural sector; ‘vulnerable’ leadership; implicit vs explicit leadership and hidden hierarchies.

Part 2: Understanding innovation

• From leadership to creativity to innovation: innovation as ‘applied creativity’, beyond the myth of genius. Adapters and innovators – where is the value added?
• The innovative leader – how can innovation processes be managed, what is the role of the leader (referring back to models in first part of module), can leadership / management itself be innovative? What are the barriers to innovation and how can these be overcome (idea champions, pitching an idea, building alliances)?

Part 3: Leading for innovation

• Team workshop and guest speaker
• Big Problems – intensive ‘hack’ session in which teams develop innovative arts-based interventions to address ‘big problems’ and pitch these solutions in the group work presentation. The process as well as the pitch will be documented by the group.

The module will be assessed via a Reflective Essay and a Group pitch.

Learning outcomes

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical models of leadership and their application in the media and creative industries
• Demonstrate an understanding of theories of innovation and creativity
• Practice problem-solving skills through group collaboration
• Reflect upon personal and professional strengths in an innovative team
• Critically reflect on learning arising from group projects
• Present a case convincingly to a group of people in a professional manner
• Evaluate what they have learnt, both orally and in writing

Indicative reading list

Bilton, C and Cummings S (2010). Creative Strategy: reconnecting business and innovation. (Wiley)
Küng, L. (2017). Strategic Management in the Media: theory to practice 2nd edition (Sage)
Mould, O. (2018). Against Creativity (Verso)
Mumford, M, Scott, G, Gaddis, B and Strange, J. (2002): Leading creative people: orchestrating expertise and relationships. The Leadership Quarterly 13, 705 – 750.
Verganti, R. (2009. Design-driven innovation: changing the rules of competition by radically innovating what things mean (Harvard Business Press)

Additional resources for reflective essay
Belbin, R. Meredith: (1993) Team Roles at Work (Butterworth-Heinemann: Oxford)
Bertcher, H. (1994): Group Participation: Techniques for Leaders and Members (Sage: London)
Bolton, Gillie (2010 Third Edition): Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development (Sage: London)
Johns, C. (2004): Becoming a Reflective Practitioner (2nd ed.) (Blackwell Publishing: Oxford)
Reynolds, M. and Vince, R. (eds.) (2004): Organising reflection. (Ashgate: Aldershot)

Subject specific skills

Understanding of theoretical models of leadership and their application in the media and creative industries
Understanding of theories of innovation and creativity

Transferable skills

Problem-solving skills through group collaboration
Awareness of personal and professional strengths in an innovative team
Ability to reflect critically reflect on learning arising from practical projects
Ability to present a case convincingly to a group of people in a professional manner
Ability to valuate what you have learnt, both orally and in writing