Leadership Theory & Practice

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Total 120 hours

Must be enrolled in the Exceutive Master of Arts program

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

While we often speak of 'born leaders', leadership is also an art and a practice that can be learned. This subject is designed to help students develop their leadership skills through the study of leaders (good and bad, failed and successful) and theories of leadership. The subject will critically examine concepts and definitions of leadership and how they have changed over time. leadership within and outside formal organisational settings. the exercise of hard power, soft power and smart power. and the role of ethics and morality in leadership. Study, discussion and analysis of leadership theory will be complemented by case studies of real leaders, guest speakers, and opportunities for group discussion and critical self-reflection.

Students who complete this subject should have:

• Developed a critical understanding of the key concepts, theories and definitions of leadership.
• Developed a critical understanding of the types of leadership skills which are said to be most appropriate and effective in contemporary settings.
• Developed the capacity to analyse different contexts and to understand which leadership styles are most effective in particular contexts.
• Developed the capacity to reflect critically on and improve their own personal leadership understanding, experiences, insights and goals.

1. A critical review of 500 words to be completed early in the semester, worth 10 per cent of the final mark. 2. In-Class Test of One Hour (1000 words equivalent) worth 20 per cent of the final mark. 3. A 1500 word research essay, worth 30 per cent of the final mark.4. A reflective essay of 2000 words worth 40 per cent of the final mark.

Joseph S. Nye Jr, The Powers to Lead, Oxford: Oxford University Press 2008

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who complete this subject should:

• Be able to demonstrate competence in critical and theoretical thinking through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations.
• Be able to demonstrate competence in conceptualising theoretical problems, and forming arguments and judgments through critical analysis.
• Be able to demonstrate increased self-awareness.