MGT417 Power & Politics Sample Syllabus

“The fundamental concept in social science is Power, in the same sense in which Energy is the fundamental concept in physics.” – Bertrand Russell (1938)

“Nearly all [people] can stand adversity; if you want to test [their] character, give them power.” – Abraham Lincoln

Organizations are fundamentally political entities, and power and influence are keys to getting things done. This course is designed to help students build skills for ethically using power in ways that are consistent with the global mission of Yale SOM—to facilitate development as a leader of both business and society in ways big and global, as well as small and local.

Throughout the course, students will engage in lectures, case discussions, simulations and experiential learning activities to foster the awareness and skills to use power ethically and effectively. All of the techniques and teaching activities used in the course will be backed by empirical research developed in the social and behavioral sciences. This course is designed in two parts that broadly encompass the primary aspects of successful uses of power and effective leadership. The course is framed around answering two basic questions:
1) What kind of leader do I want to be?
2) How can I use power ethically and effectively?