Leadership: Theory & Practice

Module description

What is the module about?

This module is about the theory and practice of leadership in organisations. It provides students with knowledge, understanding, and application of leadership theories and concepts. Through weekly workshops and participation in exercises designed to develop leadership skills, students will hone their abilities in reflective practice and self-analysis.

Who should do this module?

Today’s mangers need to perform several functions and roles to be effective and successful. Among those, leadership is essential, considering that managers are those who get things done through other people. In order to be successful and effective in an organization, we need to understand leadership. The overall objective is to familiarize you with leadership and relevant materials in management. More specifically, we hope to accomplish the following goals:

1. Understanding a variety of theories and approaches to leadership
2. Becoming familiar with some of the basic skills and knowledge necessary for managerial success
3. Developing the leadership skills that you will need to work effectively as a manager
4. Developing some of the skills that you will need to identify, analyse, and solve problems of leadership in an organization
5. Applying the research and theories studied in this class to the practice of organizational leadership

Provisional Lecture Outline

Lecture 1: Introduction to the Module

Lecture 2: Early Theories of Leadership including Leadership Traits, Behaviours, and Situations

Lecture 3: Contemporary Theories of Leadership including Transformational and Charismatic

Lecture 4: Followership

Lecture 5: Power and Leadership

Lecture 6: Leading Change

Lecture 7: Cross-cultural Leadership

Lecture 8: E-Leadership

Lecture 9: Leadership Development

Lecture 10: Future of Leadership and Module Wrap Up

Assessment details

50% Examination

50% Coursework

The format of the examination has not yet been confirmed. All students will be expected to sit any remote exams in January, but semester 1 only students will be set an alternative assessment in lieu of in-person exams

Teaching pattern

Weekly Lectures

Weekly Tutorials

Suggested reading list

Yukl, G. A., & Gardner, W. L. III (2020) Leadership in Organisations (9th edition). 

 

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.