Aims : This unit examines the dynamics of leadership from a psychological point of view. It explores the interaction between leaders, followers and the situation in which they operate; the link between power and leadership; the relationship between leaders’ personality, their personal values and the way they lead; the link between motivation, satisfaction and performance; the influence of leaders on group and team development; and how leaders ensure the success of organisational change.
Learners who aspire to lead teams in organisations will develop knowledge and understanding necessary for such roles.
Assessment Guidance: To achieve this unit, learners must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by the assessment criteria for the unit. Additional assessment guidance is provided on the ATHE sample assignment brief. The unit should be approached from a theoretical perspective. However in order to demonstrate understanding and achievement of the standards the learner will need to use a range of examples to illustrate and apply their work. They can be taken from a range of sources, including current or previous employment and research on individual leaders and organisations.
1. Understand the concept of leadership.
- Differentiate between leaders and managers.
- Explain how leaders develop through experience and education.
- Evaluate methods and techniques to measure leadership success.
2. Understand the leadership process.
- Explain different types of followership and role of followers.
- Critically analyse the contribution of leaders as individuals.
- Investigate the relationship between leaders, followers and the environment in which they operate
3. Understand the role of power and influence in leadership.
- Distinguish between influence and power.
- Examine different sources of power.
- Critically assess leaders’ motivation to influence and lead others
4. Understand the importance of values
- Evaluate the concept of values.
- Analyse the impact of values on leadership
Explore the implications of cultural differences on leadership.
5. Understand the impact personality on leadership
- Analyse the relationship between personality and leadership
- Analyse how different forms of intelligence influence the behavior of leaders.
6.Understand the links between motivation, satisfaction and performance
- Assess how leaders influence follower motivation.
- Assess how leaders influence follower satisfaction.
- Evaluate the dynamic relationship between motivation, satisfaction and performance.
7. Understand team or group leadership.
- Differentiate between groups and teams
- Identify the stages of building highly performing groups and teams
- Evaluate leadership as a group and team function.
- Explain how to lead virtual teams.
8. Understand how situational factors influence leadership.
- Analyse how task interdependence, task structure, job characteristics and changes to these influence the behaviour and performance of leaders and followers.
- Analyse how organisational factors such as structure, design and culture influence leadership.
- Analyse the influence of legal, political and economic environment on leadership.
9. Understand approaches to leading organisational change.
- Critically analyse the rational approach to organisational change.
- Critically analyse and evaluate the emotional approach to organisational change.
