Markedshøyskolen - Scandinavian Leadership

Scandinavian Leadership

Make a difference!

Semester
SPring

ECTS credits
30

Leadership is about influencing human interaction, to achieve something and to take responsibility. Leadership is thus an important phenomenon in organizations, in politics and in society. This course focuses on leadership within the Scandinavian tradition and framework. Altough, Scandinavian management is not a uniquely concept but can be understood as a direction in leadership that emphasizes equality, individual rights, responsibilities and opportunities, and that a manager's right to lead must often be earned.

The course will deal with theories and concepts. But in addition to theory, you learn about yourself as a part of the course will be about self-development and finding your way to management. This will happen in the practical exercise of leadership in leadership labs and workshops. You will meet experienced leaders and educators from all over Scandinavia.

Parts of the course will be conducted in collaboration with leading developers from leading environmental Emergence. Pedagogy will be process focused and implementation of the course will place heavy demands on individual participation, motivation and willingness to work with himself and the subject. When you have completed specialization in Scandinavian Leadership you are better equipped to take responsibility and you have an advantage over others who want to exercise leadership.

Not least, you get better acquainted with yourself as a leader. Scandinavian Leadership is a specialization that can be used for the leader in group exercise, project or organizational level in all industries.

NB: The course will be taught in English.

Assessment

Intermediate assignment (20 %): in groups, 24 hrs. exam.
Intermediate assignment (20 %): individual oral presentation.
Final examination (60 %): hand in of individual report consisting of several assignments throughout the semester.

Course contents

The historical, philosophical and psychological background for the leadership field
Definitions
The Scandinavian context
Common leadership theories: power, personality, authentical, transformation, LMX, attribution, social identity.
Leadership understood as self-knowledge, relational strength, and strategic overview.
Leadership as role mastery: role, responsibility, delegating, follow-up and decision-making.
Decision-making, moral and ethical reflection
Leadership as skills mastering: communication, problem solving, conflicts, coaching.
Personal development and self-mastery

Method of intruction

The course will be taught and experienced through a series of module-based workshops including lectures, tutoring, and individual and group based studying. The students will also engage in a variety of classroom activities, including both individual and group presentations.

Parts of the course will be conducted in a series of workshops and leadership labs, where the student will need to engage in leadership processes stimulating self-knowledge, reflection and awareness of own leadership capabilities and skills.

The students are required to invest considerable efforts in the learning process, as well as the ability to work and develop one self.

The total course or parts of the course will be lectured in English.

Learning outcome

Knowledge
After completing the course, the student should possess a broad knowledge about main theories within the field, as well as central processes, methods and toos relevant for leadership and personal development. In particular, knowledge about leadership role mastery, and personal development strategies will be stressed. The student should also be familiar with important research within the field, as well have gained a knowledge base of the background, context and history of leadership.

Skills
After completing the course, the student should be able to apply relevant knowledge and own experience to leadership related challenges, and use this as a basis for own choices and decision-making. It is expected that the student is willing to use him/herself as a “research object” by engaging in processes of reflection, self-knowledge and awareness of own leadership behaviour. The student should be able to deal with problem solving and possess knowledge about tools, methods and skills needed to do so.

General competence
After completing the course, the student should know about common moral and ethical issues related to exercise of leadership, and relate this to own decision-making. The student should be able to take leadership in assignments, processes and projects, and use own leadership qualities and communication to influence human interaction. The student should also be able to do written and oral presentations related to leadership issues. The student should contribute in sense making and exchange of experiences relevant for leadership. After finishing he course, the student should have obtained a better self-knowledge and know more about his or her ability to take leadership.

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