Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, students will be able to:
- apply leadership theories and critically assess them in terms of their assumptions, limitations and suitability for leading sustainable change in different organisational contexts
- critically discuss ethical dilemmas in leadership processes and analyse the implications of conflicting interests and power relations at organisational and societal levels
- conduct a qualitative study and reflect on the implications of their own position for observation, interpretation and conclusions
- formulate and critically examine their own understanding of leadership and analyse the individual’s role in leadership processes.
Course Content
The course’s first module, Concepts, Theories and Models in Leadership, addresses leadership theories and their application in processes of sustainable organisational change. The focus is on how different leadership perspectives are based on distinct assumptions and how these influence the assessment of their limitations and suitability for leading sustainable change in different organisational contexts. The module also addresses ethical dilemmas, conflicting interests and power relations in leadership and change processes.
The second module, Qualitative Research Design and Reflexive Perspectives on Leadership, addresses the fundamentals of qualitative research design and the conduct of a qualitative study. The focus also includes reflexivity and the significance of the researcher’s own position for the collection, interpretation and analysis of empirical material. The module addresses different understandings of leadership, including the individual’s role in leadership processes.
Assessment
- Active participation in seminars
- Written assignments
- Oral examination
Grades
The grading scale used for the final course grade is U–VG.
To be awarded the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, students must achieve a Pass with Distinction (VG) in the first module.
Grades are reported as follows:
- Concepts, Theories and Models in Leadership - 4.5 Credits | U–VG
- Qualitative Research Design and Reflexive Perspectives on Leadership - 3 Credits | U–G
Entry Requirements
- Degree of Bachelor in a main field of study in the Social Sciences 180 credits, including 22.5 credits in Business Administration, Human Resource Management or Work Science, and 7.5 credits in Social Science Research Methods, as well as English 6/English Level 2
Other Information
The language of instruction is English.
In the case of a re-examination, the form of assessment may be changed at the discretion of the examiner.
This course cannot be counted towards the same degree along with courses that have equivalent content.
If the student has received a decision/recommendation granting study support from Dalarna University because of a disability, then the examiner has the right to offer an alternative examination arrangement. The examiner takes into account the objectives in the course syllabus when deciding whether the examination can be adapted in accordance with the decision/recommendation.