The notion of Leadership

The exercise of leadership is in many ways a complex and demanding task. In fact unlike authority leadership is not something that is prescribed by the organization. It does not stem directly from the hierarchical structure of the company. Leadership is rather a power of relations between the members of the organization. Its expression depends fundamentally on the adequacy between the personal attributes of the individuals and the requirements of the situation. To be a leader the person recognized by the people around him as the most likely is therefore the result of a perceptive process both uncertain and changing. Consequently everyone in an organization can exercise leadership with other members. This course focuses on the development of formal leadership i.e. it addresses leadership issues from the perspective of those members of the organization who by virtue of their hierarchical position have the responsibility to lead others. It is therefore intended for leaders and managers who want to improve their management practices through the exercise of leadership.