Leadership Theory & Practice (MGMT90127)

Leadership is a pivotal part of every formal and informal group, every community and organisation. Leading involves a critical connection between the individual capacity of a leader and the formal authority and responsibility vested in the position they occupy. It is personal and structural; it is something learned and practised every day; it is rooted in deep aspects of personality, gender and culture.

This subject helps students develop leadership skills by examining the attributes of leadership and the roles that leaders play. It does this through a dialogue between contemporary leadership theory and the ‘classic texts’ of authors such as Sophocles, Machiavelli, Shakespeare, Camus and Sun Tzu. The subject examines how these classic texts position the leader in different contexts, noting how they: develop a vision and goals; build support and deal with threats; impose costs and create alliances; and find a moral compass. We use contemporary leadership theories and cases to interpret these 'classic' studies of leadership and to see what works and why.

Seminar discussion and analysis of leadership theory will be complemented by guest speakers, and opportunities for group discussion and critical self-reflection.

This subject is compulsory in the Executive Master of Arts (MC-EMA).  It is open to students in other graduate coursework programs with the written permission of course and subject coordinators.