Traditionally, leadership has been seen as a ‘remedy’ to the problems the organization faces, and in doing so, it has very often been misunderstood. Several leadership models and frameworks do not take in account that leadership is context-bound, situational, and often takes place in complex settings. To be successful and effective in leadership requires more in-depth approaches and thorough understanding than was possible with the one-sided approaches of leadership. The rationale of this course is getting to know different perspectives and frameworks in studying organizations and leadership. Using this multi-frame perspective gives us a more thorough understanding on analyzing and managing organisational events. The framework studied are structural, human, political and cultural frames of reference as described in the course book (Boleman & Deal).

The goal of the course is to increase students’ ability to critically observe educational organizations and based on that analysis develop organizations and also their own leadership behaviour. Through deepening their theoretical understanding, students are more capable of exploring and evaluating real-life situations. Via critical observation of present organizational structures and management systems the students become capable of working as change agents in their own organizations.

Learning and understanding will deepen through comparing the perspective attained through different frames of reference. The aim is to get a wide and well-grounded view of organizational phenomena and thus avoid narrow and stereotypical interpretations.

In addition to the lectures, this course includes two important books: Bolman, L. G., and Deal, T. E., 2008. Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice and Leadership, (abbreviated later as B&D), and Shafriz, J., Ott, J. & Jang, Y., S. 2005. Classics of Organizational Theory, (abbreviated later as S&O&J). The book by Boleman & Deal presents the four frames and it serves as the essential reading material for this course. The other book about the classics in organizational theory gives important insight both to the historical development of our understanding in organizations and to famous writers of the field. When studying the session and lectures, please note reading assignments of B&D and S&O&J.