There is only one assessment for this module. The assignment consists of a 3500
word essay +- 10% in which you demonstrate knowledge and ability to implement,
articulate and use aspects of the topics covered each week. The essay must to be
submitted online only and must be the result of your own individual effort. As there is
only one task for the module, your mark will constitute the full 100% mark for the
entire module. The primary focus of the task is to explore the different topics and
themes studied each which within the wider fields of Organisational Behaviour (OB)
and Human Resource Management (HRM) and not HRM or OB. The spirit of the
assignment is to encourage you to be able to demonstrate the ability to critically
analyse theories, debates, issues, news, practices etc. as they emerge in published
academic articles from highly- ranked ABS journals.
The task:
One year after completing this post graduate study which you are now
undertaking, you are employed as the head of a Multinational Corporation
(MNC) in your country of origin. Your company owns a leading brand
competing with other global brands in such items as premium quality shoes,
bags, clothing and insurance policy for protection on valued goods such as
gold and diamond ornaments. The designs and management of the brand is
operationalised in Italy and France. However, production takes place in your
country, thus requiring employees from different countries to work together.
The local office to which you have been appointed has a total number of 100
employees. Understandably, 60% of the staff are citizens of your home
country, while 40% are from ten different countries. Your task is the following:
Drawing on knowledge developed within this module, your own experience
and wider reading, you are requested to compose an essay of 3500 words in
which you critically engage and address the following aspects of the job:
1. Explain how you would lead your organization. In doing so you are expected
to explore relevant theories of leadership that you would consider to arrive at
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theories/practices/approaches that might be appropriate. You will evaluate
and justify your preferred approach/theory/perception/practice and why
this/these might be suitable (500 words)
2. You will certainly face challenges with cultural differences. Explain the
theories within the study of culture, national culture and diversity that would
inform your thinking. Critically draw on this knowledge to mitigate inevitable
interpersonal and operational issues that will arise as a result of cultural,
behavioural and personality differences (500 words).
3. Communication will be another challenge which you will need to address. In
your essay, critically reflect on ways in which you will manage communication
barriers between employees. Also, elucidate how language difference could
enhance/inhibit a closer/collegiate working environment. (500 words).
4. You are advised to undertake a process of change that requires your
subsidiary to show proof of awareness and application of ethical, moral and
ecologically friendly approaches that enhance sustainability to boost the
image of your company. What would you consider and how would you
implement this demand.
5. At the time you are appointed, it has been noted that the performance level of
your organization is on a decline. The pressure is on you to improve
performance. Critically explore the literature on motivation and construct an
approache(s)/theories that might or might not lead you to enhance employee
wellbeing and performance (500 words).
6. As you will be aware, leadership is not just about leader influence, motivation
and control. You are requires to engage with the literature on emotional
intelligence, groups and teams to explore ways in which you could achieve
effective leadership and employee engagement
7. We will expect you to write a clear introduction which clearly explains the task,
identifies key issues to be developed and evidences a clear structure
explaining the sequencing of the different sections of your essay (250 words)
8. Your essay should end with a composite conclusion reminding the reader
about what the task was, how it has been accomplished, the key points to
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take home as well as your own reflection on the learning gained in completing
the module and the task (250 words).
Note that you have been asked to write an essay rather than a report. You will
therefore avoid sub-headings and writing in the third person – ‘I’, ‘my’ or according to
my opinion. Words from reference list are not included in the word count.
Also, note that the reference sources you use for your essay should come from the
following list of ABS3* and 4* journals: (Seek advice from a library staff should you
find any difficulty in finding these journals and the articles you use to build your
essay and support your arguements)
Recommended journals for select your articles:
 International Journal of Human Resource Management
 Work, Employment and Society
 Human Resource Management Journal
 European Journal of Industrial Relations
 Gender, Work and Organisation
 Employee Relations
 Human Relations
 Organizational Behaviour and Human Decision Processes
 Journal of Organizational Behaviour
 Academy of Management Perspectives
 Academy of Management Journal
 Academy of Management Review
 Human Resource Management
 Leadership quarterly
 Leadership journal
Note further that the articles or reference sources you bring into your essay should
not be older than 5 years. This means that you should only use reference sources or
articles published between; 2015 – 2020. The markers are more interested in
ongoing, current conversations/debates and issues around the various topics rather
than references such as: Transformational leadership (Burns, 1978; Bass, 1985) or
Maslow’s theory of motivation (Maslow, 1943). We are interested in your reading and
understanding of the manner in which recent writers are engaging with these
foundational concepts rather than in your ability to explain what these concepts are.
As much as possible, avoid explanation and definitions of theories. Rather, engage
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in critical examination about how these concepts are written about and applied in
today’s business and management context.
In your analysis, you should aim to compare and contrast between
theories/perceptions/approaches etc. In the process, you will consider highlighting
similarities and differences in the arguments developed, evaluate the value and
contribution and suitability of theories/approaches in your context. Avoid simple
explanation and description. Rather, seek to analyse current issues engaged in the
various streams of literature in some depth, outlining implication, limitations and
questioning assumptions drawing on your experience or alternative real life news,
events or cultural conventions.