Class Discussions

Topic 1:

a) Are leaders made or born? Can managerial skills be taught? Can leadership skills be taught?
b) What skills are needed to be a successful manager? A successful leader?
c) Discuss the case of “From Steve Jobs to Tim Cook”, Page 23 of textbook
d) Discuss the case of Facebook Sheryl Sandberg, Page 102 of textbook

Topic 2:

a) Is leadership just another word for influence? Can you think of some examples of influence that would not consider leadership?
b) How is managerial motivation related to the effectiveness and advancement of managers in large organizations?
c) Discuss the case of Reed Hastings – Netflix, Page 211 of textbook
d) Discuss the case of Frederick Smith – FedEx, Page 302 of textbook

Topic 3:

a) Describe the characteristics of strong versus weak culture

b) Identify organizational practices that foster an ethical work environment
c) Why is multicultural leadership more important today than it was ten years ago? What conditions will perpetuate the need for effective
multicultural leadership?

Topic 4:

a) What are the potential benefits and risks of using participative leadership?
b) What is charismatic leadership?
c) Discuss case of Ursula Burns, Page 349 of textbook
d) Discuss case of Foxconn, Page 135 of textbook

Topic 5:

a) Describe the relevance of analyzing an organization’s internal and external environment as part of strategy formulation
b) Discuss case of Nike, Page 420 of textbook
c) Discuss some recommendations for minimizing resistance to change

Topic 6:

a) Effective leader behaviour depends on many variables. Tehre is no simple prescription for effective leader behavious. Does this mean
effective leadership is merely a matter of opinion or subjective preference? Discuss in detail
b) Discuss case of Merck CEO, page 455 of textbook