Public Policy Leadership

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

This module explores leadership as the art of dynamic change within public policy, emphasizing that effective leadership is inseparable from "courageous followership." Moving beyond management, the course defines leaders as persuasive agents of change who navigate complex institutional landscapes, from government and civil society to the private sector. The course then moves forward to explore how best to formulate, advocate for, and implement policy changes. Students will examine the multifaceted roles of a leader and the leader's vision for change, balancing the charismatic ability to envision and inspire with the instrumental necessity of organizational design and strategic execution. Central to this study is the conviction that true leadership must be both effective and ethical, rooted in a foundational respect for human dignity and the common good. The curriculum takes a candid look at the "dark side" of leadership, analyzing traits like corruption and insularity, while challenging students to develop their own capacities for moral reasoning and authentic advocacy. By learning to navigate a landscape of conflicting values, such as equity, liberty, and efficiency, students will cultivate the integrity and vision required to lead diverse stakeholders toward sustainable, equitable, and positive change.