‘Leadership can, and must be developed in economic crisis’

A new Master’s programme in Business Leadership (MBL) has been launched at The University of Northampton.

A belief that the cause of the current economic crisis can be linked directly to a lack of top level political and economic direction has inspired the launch of the new Master's programme in Business Leadership (MBL) from The University of Northampton.

"It is not people in leadership positions we lack at this critical time, but people with leadership abilities," comments business analyst and course leader, Dr. Nada Kakabadse, Professor in Management and Business Research.

"Leadership can be developed," continues Kakabadse. "It is about quality and skills which, in the absence of guidance, is acquired on the job by trial and error. This is at odds with the latest research and inflicts unnecessary costs on organisations."

The two-year MBL from Northampton Business School, which begins in January 2012, will equip experienced managers with the "skill, insight and self-awareness they need to address current challenges and negotiate the crucial transition from manager to leader".

Informed by insights derived from the latest research on leadership, Kakabadse believes the course will nurture the leadership qualities most managers already have, and encourage them to blossom with a new model of executive education focused on an individual's development.

"Our aim is to take in experienced managers from the private, public and third sector and turn out self-aware integrators who understand the nature of leadership," she adds. "The MBL will further develop leadership styles that play to students' strengths, and the needs of their organisations."

Picture: Nada Kakabadse, Professor in Management and Business Research