Ethics Leadership & Decision Making

Contains two assignments

Write a 3000 word essay in which you:
• Use an organisation that is or has been in the news during the past two years (work-related learning) and identify an ethical dilemma faced by that organisation as an example.
• Apply at least two theoretical concepts from managerial ethics to examine this dilemma critically.
• Go on to examine and critically evaluate how these theoretical concepts influence managerial practices in the chosen organisation.
• In conclusion, reflect critically on how leaders may ensure organisational decisions are made ethically.
• Academic and professional communication skills: You must follow an essay structure that is at a minimum an introduction; a main body that outlines the argument, analyses the material you have researched and assesses this according to the guidelines above; and a conclusion.Your writing style must follow professional literacy: Citations and a final reference list that follows the APA 6 guidelines accurately; the quality of writing and presentation: accurate mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation etc.); use respectful language to discuss all people; avoid emotive language; employ inclusive, non-sexist language. Use a minimum of ten (10) citations/references

In short, you will need to demonstrate an understanding and critical analysis of the theories surrounding the topic, as well as evaluating the practical reality in the workplace. Please refer to relevant academic literature and source materials, as well as drawing upon your knowledge of the organisation.
Rationale
This assignment is designed to address Learning Objectives 1 to 5 (see above) by :
• familiarising students with the various theories relating to organisations and organisational planning and control.
• encouraging students to discern the strengths and weaknesses of the wide array of theoretical contributions;
• encouraging students to use empirical evidence to support their arguments.
Marking criteria

Criteria? Standards? LO Mark High Distinction (38.25-45) Distinction (33.75-37.8) Credit (29.25-33.3 29.25-33.3 29.25-33.3 29.25-33.3) Pass (22.5- 28.8) Fail (00.0 -22.05)
An organisation that is or has been in the news during the past two years (work-related learning) is used to identify an ethical dilemma an example.

/2 Highly appropriate organisation is Identified that provides an outstanding and critical basis for further examination. Identification of organisation provides a detailed and accurate basis from which to develop further examination. Identification of organisation provides a sufficiently detailed basis for further examination. Identification of organisation is underdeveloped, inhibiting deeper examination. Identification of organisation is inaccurate, inadequate, insufficient, and unclear.
At least two theoretical concepts from managerial ethics are applied to examine this dilemma critically 3 /8 Identifies, explains, applies and critiques major alternative theoretical concepts with depth, detail and clarity. Identifies, applies and critiques major alternative theoretical concepts clearly and accurately. Identifies, explains & applies important alternative theoretical concepts but occasionally lacks clarity or accuracy. Critique is limited. Identifies, explains & applies alternative theoretical concepts but with some limitations, inconsistency and/or inaccuracy. Superficial critique . Limited grasp of alternative theoretical concepts; lacking in critical examination.
Examination and critical evaluation of how these theoretical concepts influence managerial practices in the chosen organisation. 1
2 /15 Clearly demonstrates a high level ability to synthesise theory and practice using readings and/or alternative perspectives.
Able to interpret the relationship between theory and practice accurately. Offers appropriate and relevant examples to support line of argument. Able to identify the relevant relationships between theory and practice. Offers some evaluation, but occasionally lack consistency. Demonstrates an adequate level of relating theory to practice; and some consideration provided of alternative perspectives.
Descriptive. Reproduces information from lectures and readings. The relationship between theory and practice underdeveloped and is poorly argued.
Conclusions reflect critically on how leaders may ensure organisational decisions are made ethically. 5 /10 Shows deep critical reflection of and engagement with leadership and ethical decision-making.
A strong and reasoned argument is made to support the conclusions. Shows detailed critical reflection of and engagement with leadership and ethical decision-making.
A strong argument is made to support the conclusions. Shows a degree of critical reflection of and engagement with leadership and ethical decision-making. Notes alternative perspectives and provides examples where necessary to support conclusions. Examples of alternative perspectives are provided; reflection is superficial rather than meaningful. Shows a basic level of engagement with leadership and ethical decision-making. Engagement is minimal. Conclusions are reached providing no or little evidence. Shows scant engagement with leadership and ethical decision-making.
Academic and professional communication skills:
Follows an essay structure.
Writing style must follow professional literacy: Citations and a final reference list that follows the APA6 guidelines accurately; the quality of writing and presentation: accurate mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation etc.); use respectful language to discuss all people; avoid emotive language; employ inclusive, non-sexist language. Minimum of ten (10) citations/references used.

/10 Structure uses clear and concise topic and linking sentences, and connected paragraphs. Sophisticated level of professional language achieved. Paragraphs succinct with excellent ability with grammar, vocabulary and spelling. Impeccable referencing in APA6. Outstanding presentation.
Structure that uses paragraphs and sentences. Extensive use of topic and linking sentences. Leads the reader through the argument in a clear and logical way. Follows guidelines comprehensively. Professional literacy well demonstrated. Substantial ability with grammar, spelling and vocabulary. Ample relevant, accurate referencing using APA6. Clear structure. Adequate use of sentences and paragraphs. Guidelines followed clearly. Level of professional language used. Paragraphs are succinct. Generally good ability with grammar, and spelling; appropriate vocabulary. Significant but limited referencing. Structure is apparent, fair use of topic and linking sentences and paragraphs. Some of the guidelines followed. Only general level of professional language achieved. Adequate level of control over grammar, fair ability with spelling and vocabulary. Referencing lacks specificity with some inaccuracies. No apparent structure. Poor sentence and paragraph construction. Guidelines not followed. Language not professional, inclusive or respectful. Paragraphs off the point. Inadequate ability with grammar, poor vocabulary and spelling. Insufficient and/or inaccurate referencing.

2: Toulmin Essay

Order Description

Assignment Instructions

Read the following assignment details in its entirety. There are many components to this particular assignment, and each component is graded. Do Not use your forum draft as your final submission. It is expected that you will revise this draft substantially- not only from the feedback you receive from peers –but also from your own informed and evolving ideas on the structure and purpose of the Toulmin argument.

This essay should in MLA format and be between 900 and 1000 words, excluding the required annotated bibliography.

The Toulmin essay will help you practice what you have learned so far in this course. First, you will choose a topic of interest. Make sure that you choose a topic with two opposing sides. Then, you need to research that topic in order to specify the topic’s scope, so it can be easily discussed in 1000 word essay. For example, you may be interested in learning more about traffic issues in the United States. However, that topic is too large to cover in a 1000 word essay. After researching peer reviewed articles that discuss US traffic issues in general, you may discover that the metro system in the District of Columbia is underfunded and underutilized. Through your research, you found that you could make a claim that more funds should be made available in order to upgrade the metro system, which would improve traffic issues in the District of Columbia. This would make for a stronger, specific argument.

This essay must include a minimum of five sources. Three should be peer-reviewed sources, preferably from the APUS databases. From the library welcome page, click on Advanced Search at the bottom of the page and then check the “peer reviewed” sources box filter.

This video will hopefully clarify the term, “peer-reviewed”: https://youtu.be/rOCQZ7QnoN0. You may use eBooks; however, as discussed in your textbook, books generally are not as current as peer-reviewed articles. You may also use primary sources (interviews, statistics, etc); however, these primary sources should be obtained from experts within that field. If you cannot find strong sources for your chosen topic, then change your topic. If you have a question about the validity of a source, please email me, or post your question to the open forum.

Note: Consider your audience as laymen in the field with only general knowledge of your topic.

Make sure to include the following sections in your essay:

an introduction and claim,
background,
body,
and a conclusion.

Within the body of your essay, make sure to include the following in any order:

support for your claim,
opposing or alternate views,
the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents’ claims,
and your rebuttals of their claims.

After you have written your essay, please make sure to revise the content of your essay. Lastly, be sure to edit your essay by checking grammar, format, and smaller technical details. Please make sure your essay is written in third person.

The Annotated Bibliography

An annotated Bibliography (AB) is due with your Toulmin essay. Using the MLA guide, list each source as it will appear on the Works Cited page of your essay. Summarize each source in two or three grammatically-correct sentences. These short summaries are the “annotations.”

The following is a sample of an “annotated bibliography.”

Annotated Bibliography (Centered)

Clark, Irene L. The Genre of Argument. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace, 1998. Print.

Clark’s textbook identifies the major steps to developing a well-researched and well-written argumentative essay. Professional essays are included in the text as models.

Ward, Russ. Logical Argument in the Research Paper. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace, 1997. Print.

Augmenting the steps to writing an argumentative research paper is information about proper documentation. The Toulmin System, an important aspect of a well-planned paper, should be studied carefully.

The following overused topics may not be used in your essay: gun control, abortion, capital punishment, gay marriage, gays in the military, mandatory drug testing, euthanasia, childhood obesity, women in the military, diets (including the Paleo diet), workout regimens (including CrossFit), underage drinking, and the legalization of marijuana.

Ethics Leadership