This course introduces you to leadership and organisational change theories and frameworks, and provides opportunities to develop skills and practices for effectively achieving personal, interpersonal, and organisational goals.  In leading people, you will explore ethical and values-based leadership, and develop skills to motivate others, negotiate, and make decisions.  In leading change, you will develop skills for setting and communicating a compelling vision, gaining support, and leading yourself and others through transformational change processes. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. distinguish between various leadership and change models and frameworks, their relevant foundations, and their strengths and weaknesses (Ask & Understand)
2. choose appropriate models and approaches for addressing specific leadership and change challenges (Acquire & Apply)
3. summarise relevant contextual information and factors influencing effective leadership and change management practice (Aggregate & Analyse)
4. critique the factors and events contributing to failures in leadership and change implementation using applicable models and frameworks (Appraise & Evaluate)
5. reflect on feedback provided during cases and exercises to improve leadership and change skills (Assess & Evaluate)
6. integrate evidence from real-world leadership and change problems to find solutions (Aggregate & Create)
7. generate a plan for implementing a solution to leadership and change challenges in one’s life and work roles (Apply & Create).

Research-Led Teaching

This course takes an evidence-based approach to leading people and change, drawing on current research in leadership and organisational change. Teaching methods, activities, and assessments are grounded in pedagogical research and focus on helping students connect theory with real-world practice through applied learning and critical reflection.

Field Trips

There are no field trips.

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional class costs.

Required Resources

All required resources will be supplied.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Each week, recommended readings are provided in the reading list. These high-quality academic sources are strongly advised to support your understanding of course content and preparation for assessments.

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 also be returned earlier.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	The Role of Leaders in Change
2	Understanding Leader(ship) Development	Week 2 Quiz
3	Forming a Leader Identity	Week 3 Quiz
4	Developing Others	Week 4 Quiz Due: Assessment Task 2
5	Understanding Change in Organisations	Week 5 Quiz
6	Understanding the Psychology of Change and Resistance	Week 6 Quiz
7	Implementing Change in Organisations	Week 7 Quiz
8	Communicating for Change in Organisations	Week 8 Quiz
9	Navigating Power and Politics in Leading Change	Week 9 Quiz
10	Leading Change Ethically	Week 10 Quiz
11	Learning from Failure and Change	Week 11 Quiz
12	Review Week
13	Non-teaching Week / First week of examination period	Due: Assessment Task 3

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
In-class quizzes (Individual - 40%)	40 %	*	*	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Individual Video Reflection (Individual - 30%)	30 %	15/08/2025	29/08/2025	1, 2, 5
Team Report (Group - 30%)	30 %	31/10/2025	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 ‘Wattle’ 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 at seminars, lectures, and tutorials, while not compulsory, is expected in line with "Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning," Clause 2 paragraph (b). Where students will not be able to attend a seminar, lecture and tutorial, they should advise the Convenor and discuss how to otherwise address the learning materials.

The teaching mode will be on campus. Seminars may be recorded to be made available on Canvas. Students are encouraged to read at least one of the weekly readings and participate in discussion during the weekly seminars. Knowledge gained through seminar discussion, in class activities, and in class group work, will assist students to prepare for the formative and summative assessment items.

Assessment Task 1

In-class quizzes (Individual - 40%)

During semester, a series of 10 online quizzes held during Weeks 2-11, each contributing to your total course grade. To determine your final quiz grade, only the scores from your top 8 quizzes will be counted (5% each). Quizzes are scheduled during your registered seminar times each week and must be completed in class. Each quiz lasts 20 minutes and is closed book, with no additional materials allowed. A unique password required to access each quiz will be provided during the seminar.

Each quiz will cover material from that week's lecture videos. Marks for each quiz will be released before the subsequent quiz to provide timely feedback. For example, marks from the Week 2 quiz will be available before Week 3's quiz. Ensure you are on time in the seminar room to receive the quiz password and complete the quiz within the allotted time, and prepare by reviewing the week's lecture videos in advance.

Late submission of this task is not permitted.

Submission: The quiz will be submitted in class using their own electronic device.

Time limits:  You will have 20 minutes to complete each quiz.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): The use of AI during the quiz is strictly prohibited. Students are encouraged to use AI to assist with preparing for each quiz such as the generation of practice questions.

Feedback: Students will receive the marks on each quiz within one week.

Assessment Task 2

Individual Video Reflection (Individual - 30%)

You will create a 10-minute video essay reflecting on how your leader identity has evolved over time. This introspective exploration should focus on significant changes, insights, and milestones in your leadership journey. Your reflection should integrate ideas, concepts, and theories from the course material. 

Submission: Please submit the video and reference list on Canvas by the published due date and time.

Time limits:  Any portion in excess of the 10-minute time limit will not be watched and marked.

Marking criteria: Details on marking criteria, including a rubric, will be available on the course Canvas site in Week 1.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Students are welcome to use generative AI tools (e.g. GPT-4, DALL-E, Copilot) and other tools (e.g. Grammarly) to support their learning in a way that is consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI. As such, please be aware of the following additional conditions for this assessment task:

• Clearly acknowledge the use of Artificial Intelligence in the relevant parts of the assessment task
• The use of AI voice generators is prohibited for this task. 

Feedback: Written feedback will be provided two weeks after submission. 

Assessment Task 3

Team Report (Group - 30%)

Your team will analyse a real-world organisation depicted in a case study, currently experiencing substantial change. You are tasked with identifying a crucial issue or opportunity for change within the organisation. Your analysis will lead to a proposed actionable intervention tailored to address the specific problem identified.

Your 4,000-word report will detail the diagnosis of the issue, the intervention plan, and a communication strategy designed to effectively disseminate information about the changes. Additionally, your report will evaluate strategies for managing responses to the change, both positive and negative, and assess the ethical considerations involved in your proposed solutions.

Throughout your report, integrate relevant theories, concepts, and models from the course to substantiate your analysis and recommendations, ensuring a rigorous academic approach to real-world application.

You will have an opportunity to form teams early in the semester. Marks will be awarded for individual contributions towards the team deliverable. Further information about the requirements for this will be available on the course Canvas site in Week 1.

Submission: Please submit the report on Canvas by the published due date and time.

Time limits:  Any portion in excess of the 4,000 word limit will not be read and marked.

Marking criteria: Details on marking criteria, including a rubric, will be available on the course Canvas site in Week 1. There will be marks allocated for both individual contributions and the ability to demonstrate effective teamwork.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Students are welcome to use generative AI tools (e.g. GPT-4, DALL-E, Copilot) and other tools (e.g. Grammarly) to support their learning in a way that is consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI. As such, please be aware of the following additional conditions for this assessment task:

• Clearly acknowledge the use of Artificial Intelligence in the relevant parts of the assessment task 

Feedback: Written feedback will be provided with the release of final 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

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

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

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Assessment Task 1 - Late submission not permitted. As submission of this assessment task without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Other tasks - Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment task 2 and 3 without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

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

All assignments will be graded and feedback will be provided either:

• Via the course Canvas site,
• and where appropriate in person by appointment with the course lecturer.

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 assignment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards.

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