2013/2014  BA-EOK_VLEC  Leadership Communication: Theory and Practise

English Title

Leadership Communication: Theory and Practise

Course information
Language	English
Exam ECTS	7.5 ECTS
Type	Elective
Level	Bachelor
Duration	One Semester
Course period	Autumn, Spring changes in schedule may occur. wednesday 13.30-16.05 week 13-22
Time Table	Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Max. participants	30
Study board	Study Board for BA in English and Organisational Communication
Course coordinator
Alex Klinge - Department of International Business Communication (IBC)
Main academic disciplines
Communication Political leadership, public management and international politics
Last updated on 02-01-2014

Learning objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of the differences between leaders, managers and team heads Feel at ease using the language of leadership within business organizations and various social contexts Understand complex theories in terms of the daily, practical decision-making processes •Relate acts of leadership to their own experiences in a pragmatic way •Master the techniques of effective argumentation in both a logical and persuasive manner •Find their own personal, leadership approach to the dynamic, social process of organizations •Grasp the delicacy of leadership skills within an intercultural setting and be prepared for decision-making on the global stage •

Course prerequisites

The course is open to undergraduate students. Entry level for non-native English speakers minimum B2 (intermediate). Course duration is 10 weeks x 2 lessons once a week.

Examination

Leadership Communication: Examination form Home assignment - written product Individual or group exam Individual Size of written product Max. 5 pages References and bibliography are not part of the 5 pages. Assignment type Written assignment Duration 72 hours to prepare Grading scale 7-step scale Examiner(s) One internal examiner Exam period Autumn Term and Spring Term Make-up exam/re-exam Same examination form as the ordinary exam The re-exam will take the same format as set exam.

Course content and structure

Content, structure: Leadership demands the ability to set goals, compose visions, prioritise strategy, and uncover company value. All of which must take place within an environment which is open to change, organisational process, and subject to the vagaries of emergent events. The leader may be embedded in the firm behind the scenes in an important nurturing capacity, or equally appear prominent in response to crisis management. This course comprehensively explains the role of leadership in this complex business environment and unravels its most important functions. Special attention is paid to language, the ability to persuade, cajole as well as befriend and support company employees, including supporters in the wider public arena. Concepts explored include: Charisma Creating narratives Spontaneity Empathy Mentoring Improvisation Persuasive argumentation Risk taking Power negotiation   Prominent social thinkers will be mentioned in this connection (Aristotle, Machiavelli, Ricoeur, Weber, Foucault) and their impact on the leadership concepts of transformational, charismatic, authentic, transactional, and ethical leadership.

Teaching methods

There will be two directions in teaching the course. One will take the form of lectures, in-depth discussion of key texts, and a clear elaboration of their significance within a social and business context. The other will be practise oriented where groups of students will take up various role-playing to become familiar with the leader-follower duality. Special attention will be paid to the use of effective argumentation,and the necessary language required to effectuate a successful leadership role. Peer response and evaluation will be encouraged.

Expected literature

Recommended literature : Compendium, ca.200 pages drawn from texts which include: Aristotle: Nichomachean Ethics, tr. Bartlett and Collins 2011 J. B.Ciulla, Ethics: The Heart of Leadership.1998 J.M.Burns. Leadership.1978 R. Rieke, M. Sillars,T.Peterson, Argumentation and Critical Decision Making, 2008 M. Alvesson, Leadership Studies. 1996 J. Conger and R. Kanungo, Charismatic Leadership in Organizations.1998 D. Goleman, The New Leaders,2002 J. Lippman-Blumen, The Allure of Toxic Leaders.2005 G.Yukl, Leadership in Organizations. 2006