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Module Code - Title:

PM6411 - THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LEADING PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

3

Lab

0

Tutorial

0

Other

0

Private

12

Credits

9

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

Leadership is key to the success and sustainability of organisations in a rapidly changing global environment, and an integral part of the role of work and orgnisational psychology/organisational behaviour/human resources practitioners. The aim of this module is to develop students' understanding of key leadership concepts and develop their own and others' leadership skills to become ethical and effective leaders in the workplace. Furthermore, it encourages students to become critical consumers of leadership information.

Syllabus:

In this module we discuss and examine leadership across 3 levels: individual, interpersonal, and organisational, reflecting the various foci and aspects of leading in organisations. Across all three levels, we will examine psychological aspects of leading, and integrate relevant theories of leadership with the development of skills and capabilities required for effective leadership in organisations. First, we will focus on the individual leader level, exploring theories, skills, and capabilities of the leader themselves. Among which are Implicit Leadership Theories, leader identity, and authentic leadership. Next, we will explore the interpersonal and relational aspect of leadership, focusing on dyadic theories (such as Leader-Member Exchange and transformational leadership) and the emotional aspect of leadership, as well as leading teams. Finally, we will examine the role of leaders as organsational agents, focusing on their roles in shaping culture and leading organisational change, and particularly focusing on the role of Work and Organisational Psychology/ Organisational Behaviour/Human Resources practitioners in these processes and in developing leaders in organisations.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, perspectives, and theoretical approaches in leadership. 2. Critically assess current theories and practices of leadership and leadership development in organisations. 3. Employ effective leadership behaviours, practices, and competencies in different contexts. 4. Create effective solutions to leadership and organisational challenges in a collaborate team environment. 5. Contribute evidence-based, innovative, and valuable leadership insights to shape sustainable work environments.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 6. Adhere to the principles of ethical and sustainable leadership in decision-making.  7. Engage in ongoing reflection and personal development of leadership competencies.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

The primary mode of teaching will be through interactive onsite sessions involving various instructional methods. Students shall learn through a combination of the material presented during the sessions, practical exercises to develop skills associated with this knowledge, through interaction with their fellow students and their experiences, and through reflection on case studies and other materials presented during class time and outside class. A key part of the learning in the module involves independent learning, that involves academic learning (such as reading and case analysis), experiential learning (through leadership experiences), and engaging in reflective practice, all prepare students for key aspects of their future roles. A further important component of successful learning and deep processing throughout this module is peer learning, i.e., learning through and from the experiences of others. As a research-led module, the module will incorporate research insights into all the teaching and learning in the module. This module will directly develop the following graduate attributes. First, through cases, class discussions, group work, and engaging in and reflecting upon leadership experiences, the students will develop their curiosity and apply it in professional context. Second, through the discussion of leaders' role and impact on people, orgnisations and society, students will develop as responsible leaders, who consider ethical principles as well as the interests of various stakeholders when making decisions. Students will also develop as courageous leaders, working together to find innovative solutions to key organizational and social problems and issues, while considering the interests of key stakeholders. Finally, students will develop as articulate leaders, developing their intra- and interpersonal skills and competencies such as effective communication and empathy, and integrate these when leading others.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Northouse (2021) Leadership: Theory and practice. , Sage
Schedlitzki, D., Larsson, M., Carroll, B., Bligh, M.C., & Epitropaki, E. (2023) The SAGE Handbook of Leadership , Sage

Other Relevant Texts:

Ashford, S. J. (2021) The power of flexing: How to use small daily experiments to create big life-changing growth. , Harper Collins.
Kotter, J. P. (2012) Leading change. , Harvard Business Review Press.
Edmondson, A. C. (2018) The fearless organization: Creating psychological safety in the workplace for learning, innovation, and growth. , John Wiley & Sons.
Carnegie, D. (2006) How to win friends and influence people. , Ebury Publishing
Sinek, S. (2011) Start with why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action.  , Penguin

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

MSWOBETFA - WORK AND ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR
MSWOBETPA - WORK AND ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR
MSWOPSTFA - WORK AND ORGANISATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
MSWOPSTPA - WORK AND ORGANISATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
MSHRMATFA - HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
MSHRMATPA - HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
MSHURMTFA - HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Autumn

Module Leader:

Sarah.MacCurtain@ul.ie