Leadership: Identity Influence and Power

Course Overview

Course Overview
This course provides an overview of the concept of leadership, including its history, theories, and practices. It examines the recent research in social psychology and business to provide students with practical guidelines and actions that will help them develop and sustain their leadership. The course begins with a close examination of the “Romance of Leadership” – the myths of leadership and the tendency to misattribute organisational outcomes to great leadership. It then looks at the history and underpinnings of much leadership theorising to understand the ideas of power, authority and charisma. The course then explores the dominant leadership theories and the need for a new approach to leadership. Under this new psychology of leadership – also known as the Social Identity theory of Leadership - students will uncover 4 rules for leadership built upon an understanding of group psychological processes rather than the individual psychology of leaders. The course concludes with the key skills and practices of leadership – skills and practices that students can learn and perfect. To help them with this, they will work on their own leadership development plan.

[Applications]
What are the suggested applications of this course?
The suggested applications of this course include developing an understanding of the problem of attribution error in discussing leadership, understanding the key differences and similarities between the major leadership theories, and developing an understanding of the relationship between leaders and followers. Additionally, the course suggests understanding the differences between having power through others and power over others, understanding the 4 rules for effective leadership, understanding how to apply the 3 practices of leadership, and understanding when, how and why leadership fails. These applications can be applied to various leadership and supervisory roles in public and private sectors, sports leadership, and social work.

[Career Path]
Job Position Path: Leadership Consultant
A Leadership Consultant is a professional who provides advice and guidance to organizations and individuals on how to develop and improve their leadership skills. They work with clients to identify areas of improvement, develop strategies to address those areas, and provide guidance and support to ensure successful implementation. Leadership Consultants may also provide training and workshops to help clients develop their leadership skills.

The development trend of Leadership Consultants is to become more specialized in their field. As organizations become more complex and competitive, they are looking for consultants who can provide more tailored advice and guidance. Leadership Consultants are also expected to have a deep understanding of the latest research and trends in the field, as well as the ability to apply that knowledge to their clients’ needs. Additionally, Leadership Consultants are expected to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders.

[Education Path]
Educational Path
The educational path for learners interested in leadership, identity, influence and power is to pursue a degree in Leadership Studies. This degree program typically includes courses in organizational behavior, communication, group dynamics, and leadership theory. It also includes courses in business, economics, and public policy. The degree program also includes courses in research methods and data analysis. The degree program also includes courses in ethics, diversity, and social justice. The degree program also includes courses in global leadership and international relations. The degree program also includes courses in technology and innovation. The degree program also includes courses in strategic planning and decision-making. The degree program also includes courses in public speaking and presentation skills.

The development trend for this degree is to focus on the practical application of leadership skills. This includes courses in project management, problem solving, and decision-making. It also includes courses in team building, conflict resolution, and negotiation. It also includes courses in communication, networking, and collaboration. It also includes courses in data analysis, research methods, and data visualization. It also includes courses in digital marketing, social media, and digital transformation. It also includes courses in entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. It also includes courses in sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility.