Identities are constructed based on relationships with others. They are both the by-products of situational interactions and shapers of behaviour within situations. Individuals actively develop their leader identity as a dynamic process of self-verification “in the social mirror” (i.e., as reflections in their interactions with others). In this context, the feedback leaders receive (e.g., by followers, peers or other parties) plays a crucial role in the ongoing validation and further development of their leader identity. Especially the challenging feedback can “make or break” a strong and complete leader identity (DeRue & Ashford, 2010).
This course combines current theoretical developments in the leader identity theory domain with personal reflection and developmental activities to facilitate students to both identify their current and envision their future leader identities. Students are highly encouraged to bring their own life experiences in class and build on them in an effort to answer to the two fundamental leader identity related questions: “Am I a leader?” and “Who am I as a leader?” (Epitropaki et al., 2017). Students are guided on how to relate with important figures in their lives (at the personal and/ or public levels), identify leadership in such cases and use these examples in productive ways for their own development as leaders.
Exam info and full course description can be found in the course catalogue.
Course specific:
To apply for the course, you must have passed a Bachelor's degree in Business Economics, Business Administration, or an equivalent degree.
Participants are expected to have been exposed to fundamental theoretical issues in management (organizational behaviour) and leadership. In-depth knowledge is not required as the beginning of the course will set a common theoretical ground in management and leadership for all participants.
Professional experience in leadership positions is not required.
General:
Exchange Students: nomination from your home university
Freemovers: documentation for English Language proficiency
You can read more about the admission here.
aristotelis.alexopoulos@durham.ac.uk
Aristotelis Alexopoulos is a PhD student at Durham University Business School (DUBS) and member of the International Center for Leadership and Followership (ICLF) at DUBS. He has more than 20 years of professional experience in executive roles in the fields of project management and human resources management. His main research interests lie in the fields of leadership, leader identity, leader identity development and mindsets.
