Importance of an integrated perspective to organisational leadership.

Assignment Brief

The purpose of this assignment is to undertake a critical review of literature in relation to key themes in Strategic Business and Management. A literature review is a critical analysis of published sources on a particular topic. It is an assessment of the literature and provides a summary, classification, comparison and evaluation. Undertaking a critical review of literature is a key component for postgraduate study. It allows you to demonstrate the depth of your knowledge and understanding, highlight your ability to challenge, question, compare and contrast and analyse a range of theories and concepts in relation to your topic. It is important that you demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and critically analyse what you are reading. As a postgraduate business student, it is essential that you demonstrate up-to-date knowledge regarding critical business issues and that you can reach evidence-based conclusions in your writing. The Task: Leading organisations in complex business environment in the 21st century.

You should to consider the following:

1. Critically explain the value and importance of an integrated perspective to organisational leadership.
2. Apply a range of analytical models and conceptual tools and techniques in the analysis of organisations.
3. Demonstrate knowledge applied to practical situations of business management.
4. Engage in critical, developmental reflection about professional knowledge. 5.
5. Produce evidence-based arguments and conclusions.
6. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively as an individual and group member in order to carry out tasks linking theory to practice.
7. Make discriminating use of a range of learning resources in order to solve business-related problems.
8. Communicate the solutions arrived at, and the thinking underlying them, in verbal and written form.

Sample Answer

Introduction

• Purpose: To critically review key themes in leadership within complex modern organisations.

• Context: 21st-century organisations face rapid technological change, globalisation, social pressures, and sustainability demands.

• Aim: To demonstrate the value of integrated leadership, use analytical models, link theory to practice, and draw evidence-based conclusions.

2. Value of an Integrated Leadership Perspective

• Systems Thinking (Senge, 1990): Modern leaders must view organisations as interlinked subsystems, strategy, culture, structure, and external environment.

• Transformational + Adaptive Leadership: Leaders need to inspire change (transformational) while responding flexibly to uncertainty (adaptive) (Heifetz & Linsky, 2002).

• Interdisciplinary Models: Combining leadership, innovation, ethics, and sustainability ensures well-rounded decision-making.

Critical Insight: Integrated leadership avoids tunnel vision. Instead of focusing only on strategy or culture, leaders balance multiple perspectives for long-term resilience.

3. Analytical Models & Conceptual Tools

Several models help examine organisations and guide leadership action:

Critical Analysis: These tools are beneficial but must be adapted to specific organisational contexts. Over-reliance on a single model can lead to rigidity.

4. Applying Knowledge to Practical Situations

Examples of leadership in action:

• Agile Leadership in Tech Companies: Embracing cross-functional teams, iterative planning, and fast learning environments.

• Crisis Management during COVID-19: Leaders using compassionate communication, rapid decision-making, and remote work orchestration.

• Sustainable Leadership in Manufacturing: Balancing profit and ESG goals; e.g., Unilever’s vision to decouple growth from environmental impact.

Critical Evaluation: Successful leadership requires context sensitivity, what works in tech may not suit traditional industries.

5. Critical, Developmental Reflection

• Reflect on personal leadership learning: use the Gibbs Reflective Cycle, describe, evaluate, analyse, and plan.

• Consider strengths and growth areas: e.g., comfort with change, communication skills, ethical leadership.

• Align ongoing development with theory: e.g., build adaptive leadership skills, enhance systems awareness.

6. Evidence-Based Arguments & Conclusions

• Argument: Leaders with integrated approaches are better at navigating complexity.

• Evidence: Research shows that balanced, systems-oriented leadership correlates with better performance in volatility (e.g., data from McKinsey & Harvard Business Review).

• Formulate recommendations: combine strong vision with operational adaptability, encourage cross-functional collaboration, and invest in sustainability literacy.

7. Individual & Group Learning

• Demonstrate independent study: use recent academic sources, journals (e.g., Leadership Quarterly, MIT Sloan Management Review), and real case analyses.

• Participation in group work: apply theoretical tools collaboratively, compare findings, and present solutions.

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