Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE MGT5840

 
TITLE Transformational Leadership

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Management

 
DESCRIPTION This unit explores and discusses the concept and practice of leadership ranging from the transactional to the transformational and the implications for management and organizational development focusing on the emerging notion that leadership does not only occur at the top but can also be the remit of every individual no matter at which level of the organization s/he operates.

Study-unit Aims:

To develop awareness and understanding that the traditional leadership styles although still applicable under given conditions may not always bring out the best in people. New and emerging forms of organizations call for innovative approaches to leadership that inject enthusiasm and energy.

To analyze the strengths and weaknesses of transformational leaders and the applicability of their style within the context of changing situations over time.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Distinguish between transactional and transformational leadership and the implications for managers in motivating and rewarding people;

Understand and apply the model of the 'full range of leadership' that encompasses the active-passive and effective-ineffective polarities;

Be aware of the moral elements and implications of transactional and transformational leadership.

2. Skills:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Measure transformational leadership by using diagnostic instruments, e.g. the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ);

Reinforce satisfaction, commitment and loyalty in work organizations through the application of the appropriate leadership style;

Create effective transformational organisational cultures where applicable;

Manage stress in organisations by developing, selling and maintaining visions that are congruent with the application of the appropriate leadership approach.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Books

Gill, R. (2006), Theory and Practice of Leadership, London, Sage.
Bass, B. M. and Riggio, R. E. (2006), Transformational Leadership (2nd. Ed.), New Jersey, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Bass, B. M. and Avolio, B. J. (1994), Improving Organisational Effectiveness through Transformational Leadership, London, Sage.

Journal Articles and Papers

Relevant research papers will be identified and recommended to students during the lectures.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Co-Requisite Study-units: MGT5835 and MGT5845

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment Yes 50%
Examination (2 Hours) Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Stephanie Fabri
Geltrude Spiteri

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit