DECISION MAKING AND LEADERSHIP - 2026/7

Module Overview

This research-led module introduces students to key theories of decision-making and leadership in organisational contexts. It examines the cognitive, behavioural, and social processes that shape judgement, choice, and influence, drawing on insights from psychology, organisational behaviour, and behavioural economics. Students will explore normative and descriptive decision-making models, analytical and intuitive judgement, creativity, ethics, and the role of artificial intelligence in managerial decisions.

The module also covers major leadership perspectives, including trait and development debates, leader¿follower relationships, perceptual approaches to leadership, and leadership in contemporary organisations. Through theory, case studies, and applied exercises, students will critically evaluate how decisions and leadership practices affect individual wellbeing, organisational performance, and broader societal outcomes, while reflecting on their own decision-making and emerging leadership identity.

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

ZHENG Yuyan (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 300

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

No

Module content

Week 1. Introduction to the Module
Week 2. Normative and Descriptive Decision-Making
Week 3. Rational¿Analytical and Intuitive Decision-Making
Week 4. Creative and Mindful Approaches to Decision-Making
Week 5. Strategic, Operational, and Tactical Decision-Making
Week 6. Ethical Decision-Making and Artificial Intelligence in Decision Making
Week 7. Are Leaders Born or Made?
Week 8. Are Close Leader¿Follower Relationships Beneficial or Problematic?
Week 9. Is Leadership in the Eye of the Beholder?
Week 10. Leadership in Contemporary Society
Week 11. Revision

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

No

Assessment Strategy

Coursework ¿ Individual Reflective Essay (50%)
A reflective essay analysing consequential decision-making, including critical consideration of how the use of AI may influence or reshape decision processes.

Coursework ¿ Individual Prospective Essay (50%)
A prospective essay involving self-analysis of the student¿s emerging leadership identity and development as a future leader.

Module aims

• To develop a comprehensive understanding of key decision-making and leadership theories in organisational contexts.
• To equip students with analytical frameworks to critically evaluate how decisions are formed, influenced, and enacted at strategic, operational, and relational levels, and how leadership practices shape organisational outcomes.
• To foster critical reflection on students¿ own decision-making processes and emerging leadership identity in contemporary organisational settings.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is delivered through a combination of lectures and interactive seminars. Lectures introduce key frameworks, concepts, theories, and empirical findings in decision-making and leadership research, providing students with structured perspectives on the core topics of the module. Capture content and directed readings support independent learning and deeper engagement with the material.

Lectures are followed by tutorials designed to promote active participation, discussion, and critical application of theory. Students are expected to complete assigned readings prior to class and engage in structured discussions, case study analysis, and group exercises. Interactive activities focus on applying decision-making and leadership concepts to organisational, managerial, and career-related contexts.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN3261

Other information

Employability ¿ This module develops students¿ ability to analyse and improve decision-making and leadership practice in organisational settings. By examining cognitive biases, social influences, ethical considerations, and the role of AI in shaping judgement, students enhance their capacity to make informed, responsible, and effective managerial decisions. The module strengthens critical thinking, self-awareness, and practical judgement skills that are highly valued in contemporary workplaces. Sustainability ¿ Students explore ethical and responsible leadership and decision-making, applying philosophical and behavioural frameworks to complex organisational challenges. Particular attention is given to how leaders navigate crisis, uncertainty, and technological change, and how decisions impact organisational performance, stakeholder wellbeing, and long-term sustainability. Global and Cultural Capabilities ¿ The module examines how culture, perception, and social context shape decision-making and leadership effectiveness. Students critically evaluate how implicit leadership theories, cognitive biases, and cultural differences influence judgements and may contribute to inequality or unfair treatment, developing awareness of inclusive and culturally sensitive leadership practices. Resourcefulness and Resilience ¿ Drawing on behavioural economics and psychological research, students learn alternative approaches to improving judgement, prediction accuracy, and leadership effectiveness. The module encourages adaptability, reflective learning, and the development of resilient leadership and decision-making capabilities in complex organisational environments.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.