unit 2

Focus Paper: Write a seven to nine (7 – 9) page paper (2000 – 2500 words), not including the title and reference pages, explaining the leadership necessary to accomplish business goals and maximize organizational performance

Introduction to specific business and organizational performance goals you desire to achieve through leadership.

Note: Please be specific … think in terms of larger goals, those for the department or the business overall; how can having the right leadership help achieve that?

8

Discussion of the behaviors, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective leadership.

Note: Important that you address all THREE ... 6 points each. Good place to bring in outside, reliable articles. OK to use text as well. Scholarly not required but sometimes helpful.

18

Research on the charismatic, transformational, contingency, and situational leadership theories.

Note: Important that you address all FOUR … 8 points each! Focus on the organizational effectiveness aspects of each theory. Example - How do they affect behavior or performance? This is the primary “research portion,” be sure to use peer reviewed articles to demonstrate your current research.

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Selection of two of the researched leadership theories and analysis of the ability of those leadership styles and approaches to accomplish the goals as stated in the introduction. Be sure to connect the research to the analysis.

Note: Think about a FUNNEL approach … you have researched four theories, now, it is required that you select TWO of the four (charismatic, transformational, contingency, and situational leadership theories) to ANALYZE who well they can achieve the goal that was identified in the introduction. Must include citations to be eligible for full points.

25

Based on the analysis, provide a recommendation for the leadership style most appropriate for achieving the business and organizational performance goals identified in the introduction. Connecting the research to the recommendations will make them stronger.

Note: Continue the FUNNEL approach … you have just analyzed two of the four theories, now, select single the “best” theory that will most likely contribute to achieving the goal from the introduction. Must include citations to be eligible for full points.

20

Conclusion should summarize the primary points of the paper and bring forward a call to action.

Note: Summarize but really focus on ACTION to move to next level.

5

Integration of appropriate outside resources – including in-text citations throughout with a corresponding item on reference list. A minimum of four resources required. At least two resources must be from peer reviewed (scholarly) journals.

Note: Please be sure to include in-text citations in all ‘sections’ of the paper. Text is ok as one, but it should not be your primary source of citations. Peer reviewed journal article citations are required for the research section.

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