Leadership across Cultures, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• 120 ECTS credits passed from undergraduate studies including at least 60 ECTS credits in Business Administration, or equivalent
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student should be able to

• explain the interplay between leadership and culture in organizations from different theoretical perspectives
• identify and critically analyze key challenges of leadership in organizational practices in different parts and regions of the world
• critically analyze trends of leadership and culture development found in different organizational contexts across cultures
• apply theoretical knowledge of leadership and culture in case analysis

Course content

The course focuses on the concept of culture on both national, regional, and organizational levels, as well as on theories and practice of leadership. It introduces both classic and contemporary theoretical perspectives to facilitate critical analyses of the role of culture and leadership as driving forces in organizations and societies. The course also facilitates exploration of trends and challenges that leaders face when leading teams within and across different cultural environments. It provides inspiration from practical cases and raises students’ awareness of what it takes to be a leader in a globalized world and benefit from cultural diversity. By equipping students with theoretical and practical tools of cross-cultural leadership, the course helps students develop a personal roadmap towards a future professional global business management career.

Teaching and working methods

The course employs lectures, seminars, workshops, written and oral assignments and tests. Students are also required to study on their own. 

Language of instruction: English.

Examination

The examination is based on course activities:

• Active participation in seminars and workshops, grade: EC
• Written individual assignments, grade: EC
• Oral individual assignments, grade: EC
• Written group assignments, grade: EC
• Oral group assignments, grade: EC

Each part of the examination accounts for a number of course points.  

Grade E requires Pass on the course activities, with at least 50 % of the total course points.  

Grade D requires at least 60 % of the total course points.  

Grade C requires at least 70 % of the total course points.  

Grade B requires at least 80 % of the total course points.  

Grade A requires at least 90 % of the total course points.  

Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.
 

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department