Leadership is a complex phenomenon. Definitions of leadership differ across cultures and strategies for effective leadership can vary as a function of organizational maturity, tasks, relationships and contexts. The course delves into research on fundamentals of leaders and leadership and considers leading from the perspective of individual characteristics, management of teams, and alignment of organizational systems, processes, and resources. It explores the dynamics of power and its positive and negative consequences and highlights the importance of articulating a vision and inspiring others to act in ways that support it. It examines leading during times of change and discusses the role of leader in decision making, managing creativity, and optimizing employee performance. Students are introduced to strategies for influencing decisions and negotiating collaborations, partnerships and other cooperative endeavors and learn how to assemble talent-centered teams to achieve organizational initiatives. Theory and practical approaches to motivating people, managing conflict and achieving consensus are covered. Students gain insights into their own leadership styles and strengths and work on enhancing their ability to lead and manage others in both the human and technical sides of an enterprise.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast the major leadership theories
2. Synthesize alternative leadership strategies based on theories
3. Apply theories through case studies and practical models
4. Evaluate the qualities necessary to effectively manage or lead people in a modern business environment

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.
Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Leadership
Week 2: Unit 2 – Trait Theory and Lewin’s Classic Leadership Styles Theory
Week 3: Unit 3 – Contingency & Situational Theories
Week 4: Unit 4 – Behavioral and Participative Theories
Week 5: Unit 5 – Transactional & Transformational Theories
Week 6: Unit 6 – Radical Change Leadership
Week 7: Unit 7 – Servant Leadership
Week 8: Unit 8 – Future Trends in Leadership

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction to Leadership

● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Respond to the Portfolio Activity

Unit 2: Trait Theory and Lewin’s Classic Leadership Styles Theory

● Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Continue to participate in the Group Activity
● Respond to the Portfolio Activity

Unit 3: Contingency & Situational Theories

● Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Respond to the Portfolio Activity

Unit 4: Behavioral and Participative Theories

● Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Respond to the Portfolio Activity

Unit 5: Transactional & Transformational Theories

● Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Respond to the Portfolio Activity

Unit 6: Radical Change Leadership

● Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 7: Servant Leadership

● Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 8: Future Trends in Leadership

● Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Respond to the Portfolio Activity
● Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation