Does education have a role in developing leadership skills?

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide a pragmatic example of multi‐stage leadership education model. Leadership education that is multidisciplinary, global, and ethics oriented is a remedy for many of the leadership challenges we are currently facing in the business world.Design/methodology/approachThis article discusses whether we can teach leadership, and if so, what essential skills should be taught in business schools. It also examines the shortcomings of current leadership education curriculum and recommends some major changes that need to be made. This article provides a descriptive overview and historical examination of these issues and techniques.FindingsA major finding can be drawn from this paper is that the present leadership education curriculum in business schools is not adequate in many regards and more work needs to be done.Research limitations/implicationsBusiness schools need to focus on revitalizing the leadership education curriculum to come up with a program that prepares students with practical and dynamic skills that enables them to be the future business leaders. A long‐term approach to leadership education rather than a short‐term effort is suggested.Originality/valueBy incorporating multidisciplinary, global‐oriented and ethical leadership education, we believe that this article on leadership education can effectively address the major challenges of the new millennium.