| Description | This unit of study is designed to encourage you to consider the role and significance of leadership in various organisational contexts. The unit introduces you to the major streams of leadership theory and traces the development of our understanding about leadership. We will explore how these theories allow us to understand leadership in practice and in what ways leadership is linked to different aspects of organisational effectiveness. We will examine the 'good, the bad, and the ugly' sides of leadership, e.g. positive forms (transformational, charismatic) and negative forms (narcissistic and Machiavellian). We will explore leading for diversity and diversity in leadership (e.g. based on gender, culture and ethnicity) and the role of leaders in constituting ethical and socially responsible organisations. The critical role of leaders in effecting organisational change will be explored and we will examine the leadership of top management teams, and leadership succession. We will also examine leadership development programs and instruments and you will have an opportunity to reflect on factors that might influence your own leadership style. |