Course Description
Explores leadership from a sociological perspective. The structural, human resource, cultural, and symbolic aspects of organizations, and their implications for organizational leadership, will be studied. Key topics will include: conformity, obedience, social identity, status construction, authority, legitimacy, influence, power, and the impact of networks and gender.
Athena Title
Sociology of Leadership
Prerequisite
SOCI 1101 or SOCI 1101H or SOCI 2600 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students who complete this class will: 1. Use their sociological imagination to understand how: a. Organizations operate with regard to structure, human resources, culture, and symbols b. Organizations operate via strategic planning c. Groups function in terms of ensuring conformity and obedience d. Status, authority, and legitimacy of leaders is socially constructed 2. Learn various theories of leadership: a. Classic sociological theories and new sociological theories b. Differentiate the sociological perspective from that of others c. Apply theory and empirical work to contemporary news and issues 3. Investigate themselves and their own ability to lead: a. Develop a strategic plan for the next 5 years b. Determine what organizations they are best suited to lead 4. Reflect on how effective leadership requires knowing 1) how organizations operate, 2) how the people within organizations operate, and 3) how the ‘self’ fits into the equation
Topical Outline
I. Introduction II. Structural and human resource frames III. Cultural and symbolic frames IV. Strategic planning V. Conformity and obedience VI. Status, authority, and legitimacy VII. Social identity, influence, power VIII. Gender and leadership IX. Networks and leadership X. Leadership development XI. Integration, reflection, and course feedback