Ethical Leadership Minor

Leadership is an often touted but misunderstood aspect of life in college and beyond. Leadership theory has grown and evolved in ways that invite deeper understandings of the personal, interpersonal, behavioral and communal aspects of what constitutes leadership. Notions of leadership borne of the industrial revolution have become paradigmatic in western society and yet many believe these ideas are incomplete (Rost, 1993). The post-industrial, or knowledge era, requires a new paradigm of leadership that reflects the importance of shared, collective, and values-based leadership. One of the problems facing college students and young graduates is how to navigate competing ideas of leadership. Newer frameworks of leadership like Adaptive Leadership (Heifetz, Grashow, & Linksy, 2009) and Collective Leadership (Ospina & Foldy, 2009) have continued to gain traction in the field. In addition, there are now leadership models that have specific values dimensions that seek to guide aspiring leaders through modern leadership challenges. Some of the most prominent in the field of undergraduate leadership education is the Social Change Leadership Model (HERI, 1996) and the Ethical Decision-Making Model created by Rushworth Kidder (2006). Guilford’s Principled Problem Solving Model and Ethical Leadership Model build on these models and allow for context-specific and values-based engagement.

Student Learning Outcomes addressed by the PPSE Minor in Ethical Leadership:

1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of leadership theory.

2. Students will explore ethical leadership challenges on campus or in the Greensboro community and will take purposeful action.

3. Students will examine leadership through an interdisciplinary lens and will learn to identify, assess, and strengthen their own leadership philosophy and practice.

4. Students will learn ethical leadership skills relevant to the 21st century and integrate those skills with personal and vocational goals and values.

5. Students will assess strengths and challenges of leadership in personal (values, ethics, habits), interpersonal (listening, counseling, feedback, understanding people), and group settings (meetings, presentations, group dynamics, risk management).

6. Students will demonstrate an ability to apply ethical leadership skills to affect positive change in diverse civic engagement settings and cultures.