Assessment Task 2: Leadership Analysis (30%)

Due Date: 5pm Friday 7 Feb 2014

Word Limit: 2000 words (+ or - 10%, excluding bibliography/references) Objective: To connect your own lived experience with the theoretical thinking in the field of leadership studies, and critically evaluate the relevance of those theories to your own experience. Task: This assignment is in two parts: Part A: Experience Story Reflect on a specific personal experience based on one of the following topic areas of your choosing leadership or group processes. Write in detail about this experience. Propose three research questions that were raised for you about the topic, through reflecting upon your experience.

Part B: Applied Theory Use the course materials provided, and your own research (minimum two journal articles), to apply and test relevant concepts or theories. Does the research literature help you understand better what went on during that experience and answer your research questions? Following are the directions for completing the Leadership Analysis assignment. Part A Experience Story (guideline 500 - 600 words) 1. Think about the assigned topics leadership or group processes 2. Ask yourself, When have I been a leader (formal or informal), or lead by someone, in a group that worked well, or didnt work well etc? For this assignment to be meaningful, you should write about an issue that matters to you. 3. Your experience can be drawn from any kind of setting, work (paid or voluntary), university, extra-curricular activities, family life, social groups etc. 4. Write the story of your experience. Begin by using free writing. Imagine you are telling the story to a good friend who doesnt know anything about your experience. Include as many details about the experience as you can remember. You can use the guiding questions

Leadership Analysis Assessment Task / DIPP1111 / Summer semester, 201314

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provided in the Appendix below if you wish but tell the story in a way that draws out its significance for you. 5. Review what you have written to be sure that it makes sense to someone reading it. 6. Write up three questions that this experience raised for you. Part B Applied Theory (guideline 1500 words) Demonstrate how your research questions connect with current or past research in the leadership (and related) literature and critique the usefulness of that theory to practice. There are a number of ways to approach your analysis. In seeking answers to your research questions are there concepts or theories that: Provide insight into what was going on in that situation and explain any success or struggles you experienced? Suggest new ways for you to act or approach that situation? Highlight any gaps in your skills or knowledge that could be explored and developed? Lead you to critique the theory for its failure to adequately explain what went on in practice?

More concepts do not necessarily make for a better assignment. One or two theories/concepts fully explored is better than five or six treated superficially. Support your analysis by drawing on course readings, recommended texts in the course outline and two original journal articles sourced through your own research. All work must be referenced correctly. For help with the reflective writing task in Part A: http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/reflect.html For help with academic writing and referencing in Part B: http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/olib.html

Learning Outcomes This assessment is related to the following Student Learning Outcomes. At the end of this course, student should be able to: Use knowledge of leadership theories to critically evaluate the relevance of those theories to your own experience and philosophy of leadership Demonstrate skills that contribute to effective leadership including team work, conflict resolution, critical thinking and communication skills Reflect on and understand how they can further develop your knowledge, skills and capabilities as leaders and professionals
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Leadership Analysis Assessment Task / DIPP1111 / Summer semester, 201314

Appendix Leadership Recall a time when you were a leader. How did you become a leader? Was this an informal role or were you appointed/elected? If so who appointed/elected you? What was your reaction? How prepared or unprepared did you think you were? Why? What happened while you were leading? What feelings did you have when you were a leader? How well did you lead? What surprised you? How did your leadership end? Alternatively, describe a time when someone lead you and write about the issues that experience raised for you.

Group processes Recall a group that you belonged to. Who were the members? What were their roles and what was your role specifically? What was the purpose of the group? What happened during the groups activities? What successes/difficulties did the group have? What was it like being in the group? Were you satisfied/dissatisfied with the group? How did the group end?

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