Leadership Theory & Practice

This subject is not offered in 2014.

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.

Assessment Extension Policy and Special Consideration

If circumstances beyond your control have severely hindered your ability to complete assessed work, you can ask for an extension of the due date for that work. The marks you receive will not be raised to take account of your difficulties. Assessed work is graded 'on merit'. How you ask for an extension depends on the length of time for which your work is delayed:

A. Permission from the subject coordinator of the subject you are studying For extensions of up to 10 days, you must seek approval from the coordinator of the subject. Except in unusual circumstances, you must speak to him or her before the due date for the work and provide an extension form, which can be downloaded here. These forms should be filled in and given to the subject coordinator before the submission date. Extensions will not be granted after the due date has passed. An individual extension request must be made to each subject coordinator.

B. Special Consideration

For extensions longer than 10 days you must apply for Special Consideration from the Faculty of Arts. This applies to work affected by circumstances that are:

• Unavoidable
• Unforseen,
• Outside your control
• Not primarily your fault

If your circumstances fit this pattern you should apply for Special Consideration through the Student Portal. You will have to provide documentation to back your request. Details about this documentation, and further details about the process are given on the Student Portal and at the Faculty of Arts Special Consideration webpage. The Faculty will then will tell subject coordinators by email of the outcomes of your application for special consideration. In severe cases affecting multiple subjects, it is also advisable to contact the EMA Course Coordinator.

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.