High Performance Leadership


Aims

Learning goals: Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

  1. understand and apply the state-of-the-art theories in leadership (i.e., transformational vs. transactional leadership; servant leadership; implicit leadership theories; identity based leadership; leadership development)
  2. combine different theoretical approaches and determine the strength and weaknesses of the approaches
  3. communicate theoretically sound and practical recommendations in a persuasive manner
  4. feel comfortable when analyzing leadership strength and failures
  5. give practical recommendations for “better” leadership

Information

The only thing that all organisations have in common is that they are made up of people. And, indeed, there is a growing realisation that organisational success and an organisation’s ability to gain a competitive advantage is critically contingent on their effective management of these people. Leaders are the key players in these processes. They are in the position to motivate employees to excellent performance and mobilise employees for the organisation’s mission and vision. At the same time, however, they may also be a primary source of conflict and de-motivation. Understanding what makes for high performance leadership as well as where leadership can go wrong, therefore, is of critical importance to successful organisational functioning. This course explores theory, research, and practice of leadership effectiveness to build a deeper understanding of leadership processes, and the dos and don’ts of leadership.
The course offers an in-depth treatment of key issues in the psychology of leadership. It not only looks at the practical implications of theories in the area, but also highlights state-of-the-art research to develop analytical thinking about effective leadership.
The course consists of a series of interactive lectures where theory and research in leadership are explored. Complementing this focus on theory and research, participants will engage with practical issues in leadership in hands-on assignments in small teams. Students will learn how to apply theoretical insights into consulting practice within organizational contexts of leadership. Students will present their findings to an audience of fellow students.

 

Assessment

Mixed form(100%)

(a) Weekly team assignments (10%) (b) Final team Assignment (35%) (c) Individual MC exam (55%)

Materials

Reader with selected articles.