Leadership Theories

1. 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.

Important Guidelines:

* Assignment must be presented using 12 pt Arial font and double line spacing.

* Use Harvard style citation and referencing;

* Harvard Reference Format (e-journal) :

Langhammer, B. and Stanghelle, J.K. (2009) ‘Exercise on a treadmill or walking outdoors’, Clinical Rehabilitation, 24(1), pp. 46-54. Sage Journals [Online]. Available at: http://cre.sagepub.com (Accessed: 15 July 2018).

Murphy, N.M. (2009) ‘Nurse leaders as stewards: the
beginning of change’, The Open Nursing Journal, 3, pp. 39-44. Bentham Open [Online]. Available at: http://www.bentham.org/open/tonursj/ (Accessed: 15 July 2018)

* Use different headings and sub-headings to provide clarity to your work with a supporting numbering system.

* You are encouraged to provide different figures (tables, diagrams etc.) as appropriate. They should be clearly numbered and included on the contents page. They should be used to illustrate a point but NOT to make a point.

* You may wish to consider writing out your practice elements in italics so it is easily identified and use an emboldening technique to link theory and practice. * Be written in appropriate academic style. You are advised NOT to discuss the theory, then the practice and then the fit.
An integrated approach whereby you critically evaluate a section of theory, apply it to practice and then discuss the fit works best as your reader will be able to follow your discussion more easily.

* The work examined is exemplary and provides clear evidence of a complete grasp of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the level of the qualification.
There is also sample excellent evidence showing that all the learning outcomes and skills appropriate to that level are fully satisfied. The work is exemplary in all the categories shown above and demonstrates a particularly compelling evaluation, originality, and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse.

* 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 may use a leader and an organisation. Choose a leader and an organisation where there is good access to information in the public domain. It is a good idea to choose an organisation 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.

* When you are looking at a leader and 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.

* 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 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 textbooks, to give you a framework from which to build your understanding.

* Do not use literature from unreliable sources like Wikipedia, Business balls, online study sources. It is essential that you are read peer-reviewed journal articles to build your critical evaluation.