Leadership and Management: How MBA courses are being reimagined to create leaders, not just managers

The character of management education is changing. MBA courses no longer just focus on creating just ‘managers’ but ‘leaders’, training students with an eye to the top job. Some business schools have launched specialised courses on leadership; many others have integrated it with their flagship programmes.

"Modern management education is shifting its focus from authority-based leadership to influence-based leadership, where students are trained not just to manage tasks, but to lead people and transform systems," said Vijit Chaturvedi, professor, Amity University, Noida.

“In management, there is a term called adaptive intelligence - something that merges leadership theory with practical, emotional, and cultural awareness.”

At most management institutes that have integrated leadership training into existing MBA programmes, the first semester lays the foundation for leadership learning. Students study subjects such as organisational behaviour, which help them understand how people and organisations function. These early lessons prepare them for more complex discussions on leadership, ethics, and adaptive intelligence.

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MBA courses on leadership training

“We offer a dedicated course on leadership and leadership management skills,” said Saileswar Ghosh, head of the department, management, Brainware University. “In this, students are trained to make effective decisions through case studies and simulations. We create real-life corporate scenarios in the classroom, for example, crisis situations – like a factory or mine accident — and then ask students to analyse and decide what a leader should do.”

Ghosh explained that through such experiential learning, students grasp both the emotional and practical sides of leadership. They are guided on how to handle high-pressure situations and make tough decisions. These exercises not only develop technical understanding but also help them build the confidence and judgment they require.

Leadership and Management: Holistic vision

At Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, leadership is seen through a holistic and value-driven lens. “We are redefining the algorithm of business leadership, which is aligned with the Viksit Bharat Vision 2047,” said Brigadier Neeraj Soni, professor at IIM Jammu.

“Students are groomed not just by faculty, but also by senior students and alumni. Then we have the happiness course, which helps them connect leadership with emotional well-being. This focus on emotional intelligence, happiness, and holistic well-being reflects a growing recognition that leadership is as much about self-awareness as it is about organisational success.”

Similarly, at MDI Gurgaon, “leadership development is embedded in every programme”. “We emphasise responsible leadership, which is about decision-making under ambiguity, risk appetite, and viewing micro issues through a macro lens. Leadership is what differentiates a manager who reacts to markets from a leader who shapes them,” said professor Avanish Kumar.

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‘Adaptive intelligence’

A significant transformation in management education today is the move towards “adaptive intelligence” — “the ability to think flexibly, manage emotions, and adapt to cultural and technological changes,” Chaturvedi said.

This blend of adaptability and awareness ensures that future leaders are not only effective in business but also responsible in their approach. They are trained to see beyond profit, to think of sustainability, inclusion, and well-being, Chaturvedi explained.