Assignment
"WHAT YOU WOULD DO" PAPER
The purpose of this assignment is increase your awareness of the challenges leaders face, as well as the human limitations that may hinder leader effectiveness. In this course, we will witness (and discuss) exceptional leaders in organizations, politics, sports, to name a few. Sadly, we are more likely to witness leaders who are not effective or ethical, and who serve as poor examples of leadership.
For this assignment, you will select an organization from the list below and write a paper (5-6 pages) analyzing the leader and describing what you would have done had you been in the leader's shoes in that situation, or what you would do differently, as the new leader, and why, using leadership theories/concepts to support your decision.
1. Improving the work environment at Amazon 2. Transforming the fast food industry (e.g., McDonald's) into one that values its workers 3. Creating an ethical culture in the Tour de France 4. Transforming the NFL in light of the findings of CTE brain trauma in its players 5. UBER's treatment of its drivers and customers 6. Wells Fargo - changing the unethical values and culture 7. Samsung's treatment of workers
Much weight will be given to a thorough analysis of the case and your actions (what YOU would do) through multiple leadership lenses (concepts/theories). Your analysis and actions should be supported by an application of relevant leadership concepts and theories. You should also provide empirical support for your strategies/actions by citing the results of relevant, peer-reviewed scholarly research.
Your paper should consist of the following (please use headers to guide the reader and to provide a structure or outline for your thoughts):
1. A brief overview of the organization or leader (approx. 1 page) describing what happened that was or is unethical and/or ineffective.
2. An analysis of the leader applying concepts and theories from the course, leading to an overall diagnosis of the leader.
3. A thorough discussion of what you would have done had you been in that situation, or what you will do as the new, incoming leader. Your actions should be based on class topics and leadership theories.
4. Identify leadership theories/concepts/strategies that you feel are relevant to your decision in what you would do differently.
5. One or two paragraphs containing research findings that suggest that what you would do in this situation would be more effective than the actions taken previously.
6.Reference page listing all of the sources used/cited in your paper.
You are limited to 6 pages for this assignment (not including the references section), doublespaced, in 12-pt font size, using APA format. There is a helpful website on APA formatting.
Note: This assignment is worth 50 points; the number of points should tell you that I place a great deal of importance on the application of class concepts and leadership theories to the leader you select, and research findings that support your leadership behaviors and actions.