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2026/2027  MA-MMBFO1204U  Leadership Discovery Process

English Title
Leadership Discovery Process

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Part Time Master
Duration Two Semesters
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Full-Time MBA
Programme Master of Business Administration (Full Time)
Course coordinator
  • Kristina Dahlin - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
Main academic disciplines
  • Communication
  • Management
  • Organisation
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 30-06-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of core concepts and theories concerning the main themes of the course
  • Apply course theories in a critical, reflective and analytical manner to real-world cases
  • Analyze their own behaviors in real and simulated leadership situations
  • Demonstrate knowledge of how individual leadership behaviors can impact organizational outcomes, being aware of both positive and negative effects of different behaviors
Prerequisites for registering for the exam (activities during the teaching period)
Number of compulsory activities which must be approved (see section 13 of the Programme Regulations): 4
Examination
Leadership Discovery Process:
Exam ECTS 5
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 5 pages
Assignment type Essay
Release of assignment An assigned subject is released in class
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
30 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and external examiner
Exam period Summer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

Effective leadership involves understanding not just yourself but also the organization and individuals you are set to lead. Critical elements of leadership is recognizing how to motivate staff, understand your own interaction style and develop managerial skills. The complexity of leadership means that the pedagogy of the course combines theoretical readings for deeper analyses in combination with practical exercises for personal and skills development.

 

We apply three teaching approaches to give a rich picture of leadership: readings on current theories about leadership and behaviors in organizations; skills development in negotiations, presentation and power analysis; and personal development elements to allow you to explore and develop your own leadership style.

 

The course is heavily based on behavioural theories which means an emphasis on theories from social and organizational psychology, but we also read and discuss behavioural decision theory, economics and organizational theory and design.
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • New theory
  • Teacher’s own research
  • Methodology
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Peer review including Peer-to-peer
Description of the teaching methods
Lectures are based on texbook and articles, cases, and in-class exercises. There is a 3-day immersive teaching element outside the classroom focused on individual leadership training. The course requires a high level of student participation in these exercises but class discussions are also focused on linking well-researched concepts with cases and students’ own experiences.
Feedback during the teaching period
The in-class exercises allows for continuous feedback. There is also feedback on a set of self-reflective essays connected to different elements of the course that students write over the year.
Student workload
Teaching 50 hours
Preparation 40 hours
Examination 25 hours
Other 20 hours
Last updated on 30-06-2026