Overview
Over the past two weeks, you have studied the fundamental and mid-20th century theories on leadership. In this assignment, you will analyze a case study in order to select and apply these theories. You will analyze the effectiveness they could have on the outcome of the leadership case study. You are encouraged to refer to the Bass article for this assignment noted in Weekly Preparation that introduces more current leadership theory.
Action Items
- Review material from news sources, the university library databases, and other articles on the 2010 British Petroleum (BP) Gulf Oil Spill.
- Place yourself in the position of a consultant brought in to coach the CEO of BP during the oil spill disaster.
- Select one of the seven mid-20th century leadership approaches covered in Weeks 1 and 2.
- Note: This should be a leadership approach that is of most interest to you (e.g., Path-Goal, Situational, etc.).
- Consider how you would advise the CEO of BP to apply your selected leadership approach(es) for the most effective handling of the BP Oil Spill. Incorporate material from the text, article readings, and library databases to supplement your analysis.
- Write a report to the CEO of BP and its Board of Trustees in which you identify and leverage your chosen leadership approach in response to the BP crisis. In the conclusion of your report, explain why the particular leadership approach(es) is the most appropriate to use given BP's situation. Avoid the use of the first and second person (e.g., "I think that, I would or your need to") in your response. E.g., The optimal approach the CEO should apply is .... Use the third person and be objective. Remember that you are writing a report for the CEO and the Board of Trustees.
- Compose your work in a concisely written two- to three-page paper with a minimum of 1-2 supportive scholarly references.
- Upload your completed paper to turnitin.com using the course ID and password provided by your professor.
- Review your feedback and modify your paper as needed.