Type of module:

Summary module description:

Finding your Leadership DNA places practising managers at the centre of their development as effective change leaders, faced with real dilemmas, and choices about courses of action. Through exploration of the links between leadership, the change context, culture, and change practice, they will be able to make informed decisions about how to mobilise the leadership and change resources at their disposal (individually and collectively). The key themes are: concepts, theories and models of leadership and their relevance to organisational change circumstances; the challenge of change and the key organisational and people factors impacting on its nature and enactment; the role, nature and impact of values and culture in both pursuing and responding to change and its leadership; and the core skills and techniques required to enable, enact and evaluate effective change.

Aims:

The module is designed for practising managers who aspire to understanding and developing their leadership capability and strengthening their change leadership expertise.

The key objectives are to:

• Introduce key and related concepts, theories and models of leadership, change, leadership culture and the ethics and values of leadership, capabilities and approaches that bind them together.

• Prepare for their roles as business leaders: to set agendas, to research, analyse and integrate complex information in designing change solutions for organisations.

• Explore connections between the leadership, culture development, creating an environment for innovation and creativity, cultural resilience, and change capabilities necessary to drive continuous innovation and fulfil an organisation’s remit.

• Manage partnerships, people and resources effectively and measure outcomes, understanding how to champion projects and transform services across organisational boundaries.

• Identify their development goals as change leaders and practise the core skills of leading change.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that programme members will be able to demonstrate their ability to:

• Make appropriate and effective use of different approaches to leadership and change.

• Identify and apply the key leadership and change resources required to take an organisation forward.

• Understand and develop their own and others' leadership and change responsiveness capability.

Additional outcomes:

• Develop their change leadership capability through knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of leaders, the nature and impact of change, and the culture, ethics and values in the business environment.

• Demonstrate their ability to compare, contrast and critique the theoretical work in leadership and change and apply this to current business examples.

• Demonstrate by their own behaviours, the attributes appropriate to leading in an ethical and authentic manner, both as an individual and when working as a team.

• Work collaboratively enabling empowerment and delegation, act with humility and authenticity

• Takes personal accountability aligned to clear values, instils confidence, demonstrating honesty, integrity, openness and trust

• Comfortable in uncertainty, is pragmatic

• Empowers and motivates to inspire and support others

• Advocates the use of good practice within and outside the organisation

Outline content:

The key topics of study address the aim of enabling students to develop an appreciation and understanding of:

• Historical perspectives of leadership.

• Modern forms of leadership including followership, sole, collective and distribute.

• Leadership talent identification and capability building.

• Leadingin context (becoming your own leader).

• Values driven leadership behaviour and its impact on culture and performance.

• Leadership culture or‘brand’ and the interaction with organisational culture and reputation.

• Personal diversity in values, cultural intelligence and the interaction with organisational change.

• Leadership culture for sustainable business improvement and transformation

• Change leadership interventions and competencies.

• Evaluating change and the leadership of change interventions.

The module core addresses four fundamental topics within the subject area:

1. Leadership,


2. Leadership culture, values and change,


3. Change challenges and approaches and


4. Enabling, enacting and embedding change.

Global context:

Consideration is given to leading within a global context taking account of different cultures and values.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module content is delivered through a combination of taught sessions, supported by key reading from texts and other sources, practical activities for each topic with group and cohort discussion. In addition, on-line support material will also be provided.  Guest speakers may be included in order to study contemporary situations. Case material is included to stretch the practical application of theory and experience. An element of self-reflection is included to build awareness and ide ntify development needs.

The contact hours are a guide and the terms taught will vary depending on the start date of the cohort. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment is through the completion of a 3000-word individual assignment. A -10% to + 20% word count tolerance margin applies.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The assignment must achieve a minimum mark of 50% to achieve a pass.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of the same assignment based on formative feedback. One resubmission-allowed, capped at 50%. Resubmission periods will be advised by the Examinations Manager following the relevant Programme Examiner’s Meeting.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books - £60

The cost of textbooks and study aids for apprentices are met by the University of Reading as per the Education and Skills Funding Agency Regulations.

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.

Last updated: 30 March 2023