Develop an appreciation for the importance of leadership and its associated challenges.
KEY INFORMATION
Weighting 35%
Relevant chapters Chapter 1 to Chapter 4
Assessment format Reflection Essay (.doc or .docx)
Length 2,000 words (10% allowable either way, does not include title page, table of contents, appendix and references)
Specific requirements
» Use either Times New Roman (12 pt.), Arial (11 pt.), Calibri (11 pt.)
» Set page margins to 2.54 cm
» Double-space text including headings
» Include page number on every page
» Use Harvard Reference Style
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this assessment, students will be able to:
b. Critically evaluate key leadership themes and concepts and how they have been utilised by key industry leaders.
BRIEF
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
For this assignment, research and write a reflective essay that explains and expands on your understanding of leadership as an applied activity in a complex global environment marked by wicked problems. Your reflective essay should draw upon the set readings and chapter content and reflect on the question, “How have changing contexts challenged traditional leadership roles?”
The assignment will require you to:
» Identify and explain some of the shortcomings in current leadership programs and practice.
» Describe alternative approaches to current leadership programs and name the factors driving these changes.
» Contemplate how a deeper appreciation of today’s leadership context and appropriate practices are important to assist an individual in developing their own and others’ leaderful capabilities.
While you are free to develop your structure and essay format, the following outline provides a framework for approaching the reflection assignment.
1. Shortcomings of Current Leadership Theory and Practice
a. The initial chapter readings lay out the shortcomings of current leadership theory and practice. The authors also have identified key issues and altered environments that have been overlooked by the leadership industry. Evaluate several of the misunderstood and neglected aspects of contemporary leadership practice, including private/public leadership development training programs, ‘old school’ MBA leadership courses, and consultancy bodies.
b. Analyse your own personal experience with several of the shortfalls identified in the chapters and readings. You should examine your experience including your thoughts and perceptions.
c. You should also connect your experiences to the leadership theories and frameworks discussed in your readings.
2. Aspects of Leadership Identity
a. Select several alternative leadership practices and compare the practices with the behavioural stereotypes discussed in the chapters and your readings.
b. Analyse an experience you have had with one of the leadership practices and share your thoughts and perspectives on its benefits and/or shortcomings.
c. Explain what you have learned from this experience and your new knowledge of leadership.
d. Plan what you will change or improve upon in the future and why. How might you develop or strengthen any new skills or characteristics?
e. You should link your ideas with any leadership theories and frameworks discussed in your readings.
3. Building Leadership Capabilities
a. Design how you would craft your own approach to build leaderful capabilities in your own organisation.
b. Support your suggested approaches with the theories and models discussed in the chapters and readings.
SUGGESTED STRUCTURE
1. Cover or Title Page
2. Introduction Paragraph
a. Provide a brief overview of what you will discuss in your reflection essay.
3. Shortcomings of Current Leadership Theory and Practice
a. Evaluate several of the misunderstood and neglected aspects of contemporary leadership practice
b. Describe your own personal experience
4. Aspects of Leadership Identity
a. Alternative productive leadership practices description
b. Comparison between alternative practices with behavioural stereotypes
c. Describe personal experience
5. Building Leadership Capabilities
a. Approaches to building leadership capabilities
6. Conclusion
a. Restate the main point in your reflection analysis
7. Reference page (listed in alphabetical order)
8. Appendix, if needed
CONSIDERATIONS
» If you are having trouble with your reflection essay, your academic/instructor should be your first source for assistance.
» Have I identified and defined the academic concepts related to leadership using current academic literature?
» Have I demonstrated the ability to apply and integrate relevant salient points, concepts or theories in my discussion?
» Have I provided sufficient evidence and examples to support my reasoning?
» Have I demonstrated an understanding of the relevance of the chosen concepts to the overall concept of leadership?
» Have you included all the required elements for your reflection?
» Have you used a wide variety of sources? Consider using both academic and industry sources.
» Does your assignment flow logically and sequentially?
» Have you met all specific formatting requirements?
» Does your assignment meet minimum length and reference requirements?
KEY Things to remember for this Assignment :
1. Assignment requirement s: Word-count, double-spaced text, number of references (ideally a few more than the minimum requirement is asking you for)
2. Academic Writing: Academic writing is concise, clear and objective. "Academic writing aims to make an objective argument using evidence . Writers support their statements and key points using facts and evidence-based research. They use data and analysis to present an argument objectively, without stating their own beliefs or assumptions". Refer to Academic Writing: Facts and Evidence for more information. Also check out the brief Academic Writing Tutorial: Academic Writing Tutorial. This is a really important aspect I pay attention to.
3. References: Most of you master the reference style well but please consider that every reference listed in your bibliography requires a minimum of one in-text citation? Otherwise it does not count and should never be in your reference list in the first place. Also, use a reference or citation software for support if you are struggling with the reference style. I find it rather helpful.
"An in-text citation (sometimes called a parenthetical reference) is a brief reference (often just an author`s last name and a date or page number) made within the body of your essay that helps identify an idea`s original source. These references help to support your work with relevant research and give credit to original authors.
In-text citations often come at the end of a sentence and must have a matching reference at the end of the paper. What goes into your in-text citation depends on which citation style you are using."
4. Visuals of your models: If you use models you may want to focus on integrating them really well into your analysis. It always helps to add a visualisation of your model to the paper (if you are applying one to your analysis).
5 . Structure and Logical Flow: Provide us with a "Table of Contents" and maintain a structure in your paper including subheadings. I always find an introduction and a conclusion rather helpful.
Example Answer - Plagiarised
Identify and explain some of the shortcomings in current leadership programs and practice.
Reflection Essay: Leadership in a Global Context
Leadership is one of the most examined and debated topics in contemporary organizational and societal discussions. Its application in the global environment, marked by complexity and unpredictability, reveals critical insights into its evolving nature and associated challenges. This essay reflects on the shortcomings of traditional leadership theories and practices, explores leadership identity through alternative approaches, and offers suggestions for building leadership capabilities. Drawing on academic literature and personal experiences, it seeks to address the question: “How have changing contexts challenged traditional leadership roles?”
Shortcomings of Current Leadership Theory and Practice
Traditional leadership theories and practices, while foundational, have often struggled to adapt to the rapidly changing demands of the global environment. A critical shortfall lies in their reliance on hierarchical, one-size-fits-all approaches that overlook the nuances of diverse organizational contexts. For example, many MBA leadership programs emphasize transactional leadership styles, focusing on efficiency and short-term gains rather than fostering innovation or emotional intelligence. This approach often fails to prepare leaders for the complexities of "wicked problems," such as climate change or global inequality, which require adaptive, systems-thinking approaches.
Another significant issue is the oversimplification of leadership through standardized development programs. Public and private sector training often prioritizes measurable outputs, such as improved KPIs, over less tangible but equally vital qualities like resilience, empathy, and cultural intelligence. For instance, consultancy-driven leadership programs frequently adopt rigid frameworks, such as the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People," without considering the dynamic interplay of global market forces and individual organizational cultures.
In my professional journey, I encountered such limitations firsthand. During a leadership training workshop designed for mid-level managers, the program primarily emphasized achieving quarterly financial targets through directive communication styles. However, it failed to address the significance of fostering collaboration in cross-functional teams or navigating cultural sensitivities in diverse workplaces. Reflecting on this experience, I recognize how these programs, rooted in traditional frameworks, inadequately equip leaders for the realities of globalized environments.
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