Course handbook
Description
Leadership and ethics have never been so important in contemporary business environments given high profile cases of ethically-compromised corporate failures. This course introduces students to the concepts of ethics and ethical behaviour within the context of leadership for the 21st century. The course will examine contemporary dynamic and complex business environments and explores the need for leaders to manage effectively ethically challenging situations, whilst seeking to balance the (often conflicting) expectations of multiple stakeholders. It examines both the foundations of ethical approaches within the context of leadership and the dominant normative leadership theories as well as emerging values-driven leadership theories. It evaluates such theories and examines closely contemporary issues in leadership and the special role the leader in nurturing ethically-orientated organisations. In addition, students are also introduced to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – ‘17 Goals to Transform Our World’. In the workshops we discuss the role of leadership in addressing these SDGs.
Availability2021 Course Timetables
PSB Singapore
- Trimester 1 - 2021 (Singapore)
- Trimester 3 - 2021 (Singapore)
Ourimbah
- Semester 2 - 2021
Newcastle City Precinct
- Semester 2 - 2021
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Identify and differentiate the concepts of morals, ethics, values and beliefs
2. Reflect upon the role of the leader and follower relationship and what attributes facilitate ethical practice
3. Analyse and differentiate between the dominant and emergent leadership theories and assess their suitability in facilitating ethical leadership practice
4. Identify the contemporary issues and challenges in leading ethically and put forward strategies and approaches for their solution
5. Demonstrate the skills and aptitudes of ethically-informed leaders in applying knowledge of ethical reasoning and leadership theory to case studies and other real-world settings
6. Propose an ethical reasoning framework against which the ethical nature of leadership approaches and practice can be evaluated
Content
The topics in this course include the following:
- Ethics and contemporary ethical reasoning frameworks
- The leader-follower relationship
- Sense of the leadership 'self' and ethical dimensions of leadership
- Dominant normative leadership theories
- Emergent values-driven leadership theories
- Contemporary ethical issues and challenges in leadership
- Dark side of leadership
- Leader as a social architect/shaper of contexts
- Ethical challenges to the leadership construct
Requisite
This course replaces MNGT3003. If you have successfully completed MNGT3003, you cannot enrol in this course.
Assumed knowledge
MNGT1001 Introduction to Management
Assessment items
Quiz: Mid Trimester Test: In class
Essay: Individual Reflective Essay
Formal Examination: Final Examination
Contact hours
Ourimbah, Newcastle City Precinct and PSB Singapore
Workshop
Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Students are expected to complete 4 hours of guided learning via online preparation, lectures, interactive workshops, tutorials, discussion groups or self-directed learning and an additional 6 hours of independent study per week.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.