8S4S16 Leadership & Management Theories Assignment Brief
8S4S16 Leadership & Management Theories Assignment Brief
You are required to complete one assignment to test the following module learning outcomes:
1.
Critically evaluate the development of leadership and management theories;
2.
Critically appreciate the nature of leadership and management theories and their application
in a range of leadership and management settings.
1. Assignment Question
Critically evaluate the application of leadership theories to a leader in an organisational context (e.g.
a company of your choice) and management theories to a contemporary organisation.
2. Guidance
2.1 Structure
Students will decide on the appropriate structure and content but we would expect to see the
following elements:
•
Introduction (explaining the purpose and structure of the report):
o
the terms of reference for the report in general, the theoretical area and focus of
your report and approach taken (including method(s) used);
o
setting the context (background to sector, organisation, organisational structure,
culture etc.).
o
Structure of the report.
•
Main body of the assignment (with subheadings for easier navigation & professionalism):
o
Contextual discussion of the broader development of leadership or management
theory as appropriate to the chosen topic for critical evaluation;
o
critical evaluation of leadership or management theories see
.
http://studyskills.southwales.ac.uk/tabs1/analysing/;
o
application of critiqued theory to evidenced practice within the selected
contemporary organisation;
o
evaluation and commentary on the fit (or lack of fit) between your critiqued theory
and practice as evidenced.
•
Conclusions:
o
Your conclusions should relate to the terms of reference for the report (in other
words you should be reaching conclusions about theory, practice and the fit
between theory and practice).
2.2 Additional guidance
•
This is an individual assessment, not a group task.
•
You may use either a leader or an organisation depending on whether you are looking at
leadership theory or management theory. If you are choosing an organisation, it is a good
idea to choose one with which you are familiar. It is often advisable to use your own
organisation where possible as you will often have better access to information. Remember
you are required to present evidence not make assertions about practice.
•
If you use your own organisation, then you may wish to seek a sponsor for your work who
can help you to navigate access to documentation. If you are using confidential sources then
clearly mark your work as confidential on the front cover.
•
You must be ethical in your approach to your work at all times. Your document will be
entered onto a global database (Turnitin) so bear this in mind. Your sponsor/boss may ask to
read your work;
•
If you are not currently working then ensure that you choose a leader or an organisation
where there is good access to information in the public domain;
•
Whether you are looking at a leader or an organisation, you need to identify relevant
practice. In the case of a leader this may relate to their traits and behaviours. Things that
they have said and done. In relation to your organisation you need to be looking at the
policies and approaches of organisations. You need to provide suitable EVIDENCE (which is
normally referenced). For example, classical and human relations approaches to
management have different conceptions of motivation, incentives and rewards, ways of
organising work and tasks etc. How are these reflected in company policies? Do not fall into
the trap of making assertions. You should only be giving your personal opinion here in
exceptional circumstances and if it is your opinion, make this clear to the reader.
•
Remember to use a range of sources of information from both internal and external sources
to build up the reliability of your evidence;
•
In your introduction you should BRIEFLY state your methodology. This will normally involve
secondary research only but in exceptional cases, depending on your chosen theoretical
focus, you may hold interviews with relevant staff if considered appropriate. You are advised
to discuss this with your tutor. You may also use your own observations i.e. reflective
practice. Remember to reference this section of your report.
•
Academic Literature should be sourced from a range of textbooks and peer reviewed journal
articles. A limited range of readings are made available. Start off with the lectures provided,
then consult text books, to give you a framework from which to build your understanding.
Do not use literature from unreliable sources like Wikipedia, Businessballs, on line study
sources. It is essential that you are read peer reviewed journal articles to build your critical
evaluation;
•
Use the University’s Harvard referencing system as per University regulations (see
.
http:studentlibrary.southwales.ac.uk/referencing/
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