LRM 811 Introduction to Leadership Theory 3 Units

Course Description

The Master of Arts in Leadership and Resource Management is designed to equip professionals with the advanced knowledge, skills, and ethical frameworks necessary to excel in leadership roles across diverse organizational contexts. This program integrates leadership theories and best practices with a comprehensive understanding of human resource management principles. Students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities while cultivating essential leadership qualities such as emotional intelligence, communication, and team building. The curriculum emphasizes the strategic importance of human resources in achieving organizational goals, fostering innovation, and creating a positive and productive work environment.

Course Objectives:

The general objective of this course is to develop well-rounded leaders who are equipped to navigate the challenges of the 21st-century workplace, drive organizational success, and contribute positively to society.

Upon successful completion of the M.A. in Leadership and Resource Management program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of leadership theories and principles:

• Analyze and apply various leadership styles and approaches (transformational, servant, authentic, etc.)
• Understand the ethical and social responsibilities of leaders in contemporary organizations.
• Develop and implement effective leadership strategies in diverse and complex environments.

2.  Master key concepts in human resource management:

• Apply strategic human resource planning principles to organizational goals.
• Manage the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment and selection to training and development, performance management, and employee relations.
• Understand and apply labour laws, regulations, and ethical considerations in human resource management.

3.  Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills:

• Analyze complex organizational challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Conduct research and analyze data to inform decision-making.
• Evaluate and implement change management strategies effectively.

4.  Enhance communication and interpersonal skills:

• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders (employees, managers, clients, etc.)
• Build and maintain high-performing teams.
• Foster collaborative relationships and build strong networks.

5.  Cultivate ethical and responsible leadership:

• Demonstrate ethical decision-making and professional conduct.
• Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations.
• Contribute to the sustainable and responsible growth of organizations.

Course Expected Learning Outcomes

These learning outcomes provide the framework for the expected student achievements in the M.A. in Leadership and Resource Management program. They emphasize not only the acquisition of knowledge and skills but also the development of critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

By the end of the programme, the student is expected to:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of human resource management functions, including recruitment, selection, training and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and labour relations.
• Analyze and interpret data related to human resource management and organizational performance.
• Know how to manage and motivate high-performing teams effectively.
• Know how to develop and deliver effective presentations, reports, and other forms of communication.
• Utilize technology effectively in leadership and human resource management functions.
• Apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to address complex organizational challenges.
• Know how to maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including employees, managers, and external partners.
• Embrace challenges and strive for excellence in all endeavours.
• Cultivate a global perspective and an understanding of the interconnectedness of organizations and society.

Course Purpose:

The purpose of LRM 811: Introduction to Leadership Theory is to provide students with a foundational understanding and review of key leadership theories and associated practices, enabling them to form a solid theoretical base from which to advance their leadership skills and style. It explores foundational leadership theories, examining the evolution and classification of different leadership styles and practices so that the students are abreast with major leadership theories and their applications and analyze the impact of leadership styles on organizational dynamics.

Course Expected Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, the students are expected to:

• Critically evaluate different leadership theories.
• Discuss critically the application of appropriate leadership styles to various organizational contexts.

Course Content:

This course includes:

1. Historical Development of Leadership Theories:
2. Great Man Theory: Early leadership thought suggested that leaders are born, not made.
3. Trait Theory: Focuses on specific qualities that distinguish leaders from followers.
4. Behavioural Theory: Emphasizes the actions of leaders rather than their mental qualities or traits.
5. Contingency Theory: This theory suggests that no single leadership style is effective in all situations; effectiveness depends on various factors.
6. Situational Leadership: Proposes that leaders choose the best course of action based on situational conditions.
   1. Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership:
7. Transformational Leadership: Inspires and motivates followers to exceed expectations by focusing on vision, inspiration, and change. Leaders are often charismatic, visionary, and transformational in their approach.
8. Transactional Leadership: Focuses on the role of supervision, organization, and group performance. It is based on a system of rewards and punishments to manage followers. Leaders use formal authority and positions of power to influence subordinates.
   1. Charismatic and Servant Leadership:
9. Charismatic Leadership: Leaders inspire enthusiasm in their teams and are energetic in driving others forward. They can be transformational leaders due to their capability to inspire followers and articulate a compelling vision.
10. Servant Leadership: Leaders prioritize serving others, sharing power, and putting the needs of employees first to help them develop and perform to the best of their abilities. This leadership style emphasizes empathy, listening, stewardship, and commitment to the growth of people.

Other Key Theories

1. Leader-Member Exchange Theory (LMX)
2. Path-Goal Theory
3. Authentic Leadership
4. Adaptive Leadership
5. Distributed Leadership

Reading Materials

Books:

1. Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse
2. The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
3. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
4. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
5. Leadership: A Very Short Introduction by Keith Grint

Articles:

1. Evolution of Leadership Theory by Sihame Benmira and Moyosolu Agboola. https://bmjleader.bmj.com/content/5/1/3
2. Leadership Theories and Styles: A Literature Review by Zakeer Ahmed Khan, Dr. Allah Nawaz, and Irfanullah Khan. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234696192.pdf
3. Leadership: A Comprehensive Review of Literature, Research and Theoretical Framework by Sait Revda Dinibutun. https://www.academia.edu/41987986/Leadership_A_Comprehensive_Review_of_Literature_Research_and_Theoretical_Framework
4. Theories of Leadership: A Systematic Review by Sonali Sharma. https://www.bing.com/search?q=articles+on+leadership+theories&toWww=1&redig=4959C12872A94AEFB9C68E752BFED621
5. A Perspective on Existing Theories and Emerging Trends in Leadership by Betina Wolfgang Rennison. https://www.bing.com/search?q=articles+on+leadership+theories&toWww=1&redig=4959C12872A94AEFB9C68E752BFED621.