This course introduces learners to the principles and practices of Thought Leadership. It draws on theories and frameworks from psychology, management, and philosophy to explore the role that leaders play in leading discussions, raising awareness and changing behaviours on issues that impact the growth and progress in organisations and communities. Sessions will provide opportunities to develop skills and practices for effectively leading innovation, adaptation and change, for managing through uncertainty and building communities of practice. In developing an evidence-based approach to thought leadership, you will learn essential meta-cognitive abilities, skills to inspire and engage others, gain insight into how to turn ideas into reality and how to transfer these skills to others, integrating them into organisational culture. This course is designed for people wishing to take a courageous approach to work and leadership, who aspire to act as catalysts for new ideas, alternate practices and organisational learning and change.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. classify historical and contemporary approaches to leadership and expertise and distinguish the consequences of these approaches on how people work (Ask & Understand)
2. use appropriate theories and frameworks to address specific leadership, interpersonal and organisational challenges (Acquire & Apply)
3. critique the factors and events contributing to success in leadership, adaptation and innovation based on strong research literacy (Appraise & Evaluate)
4. summarise relevant empirical evidence regarding the contextual and organisational factors influencing the way people think and act at work (Aggregate & Analyse)
5. integrate evidence from diverse disciplines to find new ways of thinking and leading (Aggregate & Create)
6. generate a plan for leading thought with regard to solutions to the social and environmental challenges faced by today’s leaders (Apply & Create)
7. reflect on feedback provided during tasks and exercises to improve meta-cognitive and leadership skills (Assess & Evaluate).

Research-Led Teaching

This course is informed by current research on thought leadership - management, organizational behavior, and other related academic disciplines. In addition to classic theories, students have the opportunity to be exposed to contemporary and cutting-edge research on important topics related to thought leadership topics.

Field Trips

There are no field trips for this class.

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional costs for this class.

Examination Material or equipment

An in-class quiz will be held in Week 5, and an in-class mid-semester examination will take place in Week 7.

There is also a final examination for this course held during the end-of-semester examination period. More information will be made available by the ANU Examinations Office in due course.

Required Resources

The readings will be from the open textbook.

https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/organizational-behavior

Any further readings will be made available via the course Canvas site as necessary.

Recommended Resources

Journals:

• Academy of Management Journal
• Academy of Management Review
• Administrative Science Quarterly
• Harvard Business Review
• Journal of Applied Psychology
• Journal of Management
• Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology
• Journal of Organizational Behaviour
• Journal of Vocational Behaviour
• Management and Organisation Review
• Organizational Behavior & Human Decision Processes
• Organization Science
• Personnel Psychology

Note: most of these journals are available in full text through the ANU Library on-line site:

http://anulib.anu.edu.au/search/e-resources/index.html

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Publication of Final Results

The release of final grades may change before the end of the semester. The last return of assessment date (4th Dec 2025) provided in the Assessment Summary table is the latest expected. If results are released earlier, then the assessment item(s) will be returned earlier as well.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction and course overview. Outline of course and learning outcomes.Assessment requirements. Defining “Thought Leadership” - conceptual frameworks.	Reading: class summary
2	Understanding work motivation in the context of leadership	Reading: available on Canvas weekly
3	Agency, efficacy, and path-goal theory of leadership	Reading: available on Canvas weekly
4	Learning and meta-cognition	Reading: available on Canvas weekly
5	Social influence and leading change	Reading: available on Canvas weekly*In-class Quiz
6	Critical thinking and its enablers and barriers	Reading: available on Canvas weekly
7	Team innovation and creativity.	Reading: available on Canvas weekly*Mid-semester exam
8	Critical thinking in groupsMinority opinion	Reading: available on Canvas weekly
9	Groupthink and team decision-making	Reading: available on Canvas weekly
10	Leading change in groups Normative leadership	Reading: available on Canvas weekly
11	Navigating complexity in organisations
12	Integrative discussion and final exam review	Reading: available on Canvas weekly

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Week 5 In-class quiz (Individual - 15%)	15 %	*	29/08/2025	1,2,3
Week 7 Mid-semester exam (Individual - 35%)	35 %	*	03/10/2025	3,4,5,6,7
Final Examination (Individual - 50%)	50 %	18/10/2025	04/12/2025	1,2,3,4,5,6,7

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Attendance and participation are expected in all classes and assessments. Lectures will be presented in person and also recorded and made available on Echo360.

Attendance at seminars, lectures, and tutorials, while not compulsory, is expected in line with the "Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning," Clause 2 paragraph (b). Where

Students will not be able to attend a seminar, lecture or tutorial, they should advise the Convenor and discuss how to otherwise address the learning materials.

Examination(s)

An in-class quiz will be held in Week 5, and an in-class mid-semester examination will take place in Week 7.

There is also a final examination for this course held during the end-of-semester examination period. More information will be made available by the ANU Examinations Office in due course.

Assessment Task 1

Week 5 In-class quiz (Individual - 15%)

Assessment description: This in-class test consists of 25 multiple choice questions

Total value: 15%

Learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Assessment type: Individual closed book

Suggested length: 25 Multiple choice quiz questions

Instructions: Students will have 30 minutes to complete the Quiz in week 5 during class time.

Submission: Pen and paper in the provided booklet

Due dates: Week 5 in class

Marking criteria: Correct / Incorrect marking of individual questions

Feedback: Individual feedback with marks will be available in class within two weeks of the submission (by the end of Week 6 at the latest)

Late submission of this assessment task is not permitted. All requests for alternative arrangements support (Assessment Extension and Extenuating Circumstances Application) must be submitted via ANUHub and include the necessary supporting documentation.

Assessment Task 2

Week 7 Mid-semester exam (Individual - 35%)

In-class paper-based examination including 20 multiple choice and a choice of 3 out of 5 mini-essay questions.

Total value: 35%

Learning outcomes: 3,4,5,6,7

Assessment type: Individual in-class paper-based examination closed book

Suggested length: 20 multiple-choice questions and 3 of 5 mini essay questions between 500 and 800 words.

Submission: Pen and paper in the provided booklet

Marking criteria: Will be made available on the course Canvas site at least two weeks before the due date.

Due date: Week 7 in class

Return of Assessment Date: Individual feedback with marks will be given in class within two weeks of completion.

Assessment Task 3

Final Examination (Individual - 50%)

Total value: 50%

Learning outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Type: Individual closed book

Portions covered: Case analysis questions applying thought leadership concepts covered in the entire course.

Instructions: A final examination comprising a choice of short answer questions (from a selection) and several essay questions (from a selection) will be conducted during the formal final examination period. This is an on-campus invigilated examination. Students are responsible for ascertaining and confirming arrangements for the exam.

Detailed information about the Final Exam for this course will be provided in class and on Canvas by Week 9.

Time limit: 15 mins of reading time + 120 minutes of writing time.

Due date: It will be conducted during the end of the semester examination period on a date and time that are to be announced.

Return of assessment: with the release of final semester results

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin be used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submissions are not permitted.

Requests for Assessment Adjustment (Assessment Extension and Extenuating Circumstances Application) should be submitted via ANUHub.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Please see the relevant assessment task details above. All assignments will be marked and where appropriate feedback will be provided either: in class, or in person by appointment with the course lecturer, or via the course Canvas site.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assessment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterward.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students