Literature talks shape tomorrow's leaders
Race politics in the United States and women's experiences of the war in Ukraine were two themes when students from the School of Business, Economics and Law’s management programme took part in author talks at the Gothenburg Book Fair. Through these conversations, they practise their ability to reflect on complex societal issues.
The Master of Science in Management equips students for leadership roles in both the private and public sectors. Success in such roles requires the ability to analyse complex texts and relationships – a skill that is developed through reading fiction as part of the curriculum. Literature helps students strengthen their capacity to process multifaceted information and make well-informed decisions.
“We visit the Gothenburg Book Fair in the same way we visit the bank SEB: to explore an organisation and learn about it, but also to engage in conversations about literature,” says Niklas Egels-Zandén, programme director and professor of business administration.
Challenging themes spark reflection
The students are in their first semester, and the programme encourages them to question established societal norms, such as those related to ethnicity and gender. The literature seminars at the Book Fair were selected to challenge their perspectives.
“We’ve chosen seminars on themes that are complex and provocative. The students should be exposed to something unfamiliar, something that makes them feel slightly uncomfortable and nervous. That’s when I’m satisfied. I want this to trigger a creative mental process where they ask themselves: ‘What does this mean for me as a leader?’” says Egels-Zandén.
One of the seminars featured American author Coleman Hughes, whose book The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America critiques contemporary anti-racist ideology, arguing that it reinforces divisions rather than reducing them. Student Sara Adem was intrigued and keen to read the book.
“The seminar changed my perspective. He reflects on race based on his upbringing and life circumstances, and essentially claims that racism doesn’t exist,” she says.
Reflections on power and responsibility
After the seminars, students gathered to discuss their impressions. Erik Dahlsten appreciated how the conversations broke away from traditional academic formats.
“It was a bit overwhelming and exciting. My expectations didn’t match what was actually said. It’s fun to mentally wrestle with your own preconceptions. I want to keep working on having a more open mind,” he says.
Student April Sagandoy reflected on the consequences of destructive leadership.
“The public suffers when politicians in positions of power use that power for personal gain. The same applies within corporate organisations. Leadership is about much more than generating financial profit,” she says.
Collaboration with the Book Fair
In addition to the literary discussions, students also analyse the Book Fair’s business model and the complex issues leaders may face in such contexts. Later in the programme, Book Fair director Oskar Ekström will give a guest lecture to the students.
“We’re very pleased with the collaboration with the School of Business, Economics and Law’s Master’s Programme in Management. It’s a real strength that literature and the visit to the Book Fair are integrated directly into the curriculum, linking it to the rest of the teaching. I’m very much looking forward to meeting the students in the spring,” says Oskar Ekström.
Words: Elin Hellström
During the autumn term, the students read the novel Small Things Like These by Irish author Claire Keegan.