Blockseminar Leadership

OVERVIEW The purpose of this course is tofamiliarize students with the content domain of leadership, including theories,research, problems, and practices. Throughout the course, students shouldconsider what we know (existing research), what we think (theory), what westill need to know (future research directions), and how to apply. The readings were selected to insure thatstudents are familiar with the topic. Specifically, both historical andcontemporary views of leadership in organizations will be investigated. Thereadings provide a mix of classic and current research and theory. Students will be encouraged to develop anintegrative perspective of how leadership interrelates with the other personneland organizational functions in the field. The use of readings and outsideassignments throughout the semester should assist students in their endeavor toappreciate the issues facing researchers and practitioners. ATTENDANCE Studentsare expected to attend all classes and to arrive on time. All missed classesmust be made-up by writing a two page (single spaced) overview of the topicthat was discussed that week. The overview is due the week immediatelyfollowing the absence. Missing more than the first half hour of a class will beconsidered an absence, unless prior arrangements are made. Habitual tardinessand/or missed classes may result in a grade reduction. All cellphones must be turned off or the ringers turned off and put away (i.e, in yourpurse or bag) during class.CLASS PARTICIPATIONClassmeetings are intended to provide students with an opportunity to discuss issuesand make inquiries into the assigned topic. For each class, students areexpected to be thoroughly familiar with the reading assignments and to beactively involved in class activities and discussions. Students are expected tocontribute insightful, integrative comments and thoughtful discussion questions(see below) that stimulate thinking on the topic, while respecting the rightsof others. LEARNINGASSIGNMENTS The following assignments are designed toboth develop and assess your understanding of the concepts and issues examinedthroughout the course and to illustrate that understanding through reference tothe assigned readings and class activities. Assigned Readings Students are requiredto read assigned materials before each class begins. These materials areassigned to familiarize students with the topic. Final Paper Students are allowed to choose one of the options below as the finalpaper. Students have the option of completing this assignment individually orin teams of 2-4. Individual project should be at least 7 pages and team projectshould be at least 5 pages for each person. The paper is due on September 10, 2012. Unless you getapproval from the instructor in advance, late paper will receive a reduction of1/3 of a letter for every day late. No paper will be accepted for more than aweek late. Option 1: Comprehensive Research ReviewThe comprehensive research reviewshould develop a conceptual framework for discussion of an aspect of leadershipin organizations based on a review of the literature. The review should gobeyond a simple reporting of what has been done to provide a new structure orframework that reflects some value added by the author. In other words, this isan opportunity for you to develop a new and possibly unique theoreticalperspective for this area. Option 2: Applied ProjectOutline a development program for middle-level managers to enhancetheir leadership skills. Be sure to fully utilize literature from leadershipand management development to support your program. Include a brief plan forevaluating the effectiveness of your program. Assumptions: Your learners average 9 years business experience and 6 yearssupervisory experience. Participants are from a range of industries includingfast-food (e.g., Burger King), restaurants (e.g., Pappas), oil and gasproduction (e.g., Conoco Philips), telecommunication (SBC). Any otherassumptions necessary should be stated. Discussion Questions Students should send one discussion question based onthe assigned reading before attending the class. The purpose of the discussionquestions is to guide and stimulate our class discussion of the material. Agood question is one that will produce a difference of opinion or requires somethought and creativity to answer. It might require that we have anunderstanding of an issue or the research findings. Simple questions that justask the class to recall what’s in the reading should be avoided. For example, a good question might be, -Why should anorganization train managers to provide fair and equitable treatment toemployees? What are the advantages and drawbacks? If you were CEO of a company,would you provide them? Why or why not? Argue the position that a companyshould (or shouldn’t) install these programs.” Avoid questions such as -Whatare the most common forms of CWB listed in the reading? In the reading, whatdid the author say were the main antecedents to leader performance?” Thesequestions are just asking everyone to remember something verbatim from thereading, so there's not much room for discussion. Here are some categories to stimulate your thinking: 1. Empirical findings: A discussion of whether researchsupports or refutes some hypothesis or addresses some question.2. Theories: A discussion of some theoretical positionor positions. This could be a comparison of two or more theories.3. Application/Practice – A discussion of the practicalimplications of the research. GRADINGPlease remember that grades are earned, notgiven. Your grade in this course will be based on the following: Attendance 10%Discussion Questions 10%Class Preparation/Participation 30%Applied Project 50% COURSE SCHEDULE SessionTopic1Introduction (Discussion Question for Session 2 DUE)2Experiencing Manager’s Workday (Discussion Question for Session 3 DUE)3Leadership Abilities and Behaviors (Discussion Question for Session 4 DUE)4Charismatic/Transformational Leadership (Discussion Question for Session 5 DUE)5Two Faces of Transformational Leadership (Discussion Question for Session 6 DUE)Weekend Break6Building Relations with Subordinates: LMX Theory (Discussion Question for Session 7 DUE)7Relative LMX Theory (Discussion Question for Session 8 DUE)8Leader’s Characteristics and Organizational Culture (Discussion Question for Session 9 DUE)9Leadership Training (Discussion Question for Session 10 DUE)10The Other Side of the Coin: Followership FB 07 Institut für Volkswirtschaftslehre Fluent english see -Kommentar- Uni Kassel SoSe 2012 Wirtschaftswissenschaften Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen Prof. Dr. Ohly Sandra