• The Open University

Human Resource Management: Leadership

Explore the different understandings of leadership and effective leadership practice.

Group of women applauding the speaker in seminar

  • Duration

    4 weeks

  • Weekly study

    12 hours
Overview
Requirements
Educators

Develop the skills needed to become an effective leader

In this program you’ll explore the different understandings of leadership and effective leadership practice. Both the development of theories about leadership and some more contemporary understandings. The implications for the HR function when developing successful leaders and what are considered to be some of the main leadership skills. By studying this course, you will also develop some of your own leadership skills and will assess your own perceptions of what constitutes an effective leader.

What topics will you cover?

  • Leadership and human resource management
  • Theories of leadership
  • Developing leadership for human resource management

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Recognise and debate the different theoretical traditions that inform understandings of contemporary leadership
  • Debate and critically evaluate ideas about the characteristics of effective leadership
  • Assess the importance of leadership from an HR perspective
  • Evaluate your own preconceptions about leadership and leadership skills
  • Reflect on and develop your own leadership skills as an HR professional

Who is the course for?

This course is for everyone who would like to develop a career in HR management or an academic career in the field of HR management.

What software or tools do you need?

You will need to be able to install and run additional software on a desktop or laptop computer with either Windows 7 or Mac OS 10.7 or higher. The screen of the device must have a resolution of at least 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 pixels vertically.

You will also need a microphone and speakers/headphones to participate in online discussions.

Who will you learn with?

Charles Barthold

Charles is a Lecturer in Management (Open University). He has extensive experience in teaching on topics related to Organisation Studies. He completed his PHD at the University of Leicester.

Ainger Scanlon

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joanne pearson

Futurelearn facilitator

Who developed the course?

The Open University

As the UK’s largest university, The Open University (OU) supports thousands of students to achieve their goals and ambitions via supported distance learning, helping to fit learning around professional and personal life commitments.

  • Established

    1969

  • Location

    Milton Keynes, UK

  • World ranking

    Top 510Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn