Profiles in Leadership: Enhancing Learning Through Model and Theory Building —

Abstract

In teaching and learning about leadership, instructors and students are faced with an extensive and, at times, very confusing body of literature that illustrates the complexity of the study, practice, and understanding of leadership. No single theory has been able to capture the essence of leadership and / or leadership dynamics. Students often become frustrated at the array and range of somewhat disparate and contradictory theories they encounter. Described within is an assignment that has been very successful in teaching students about leadership, situational analysis, and model and theory building. Moreover, this assignment has been one that students have found enjoyable and enlightening relative to enhancing their understanding of leadership dynamics in both their professional and personal lives.