MSM 6640—FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP AND MOTIVATION

—LEADERSHIP THEORY ESSAY—

Select one of these topics: (a) demographic and cultural diversity; (b) organizational culture; (c)

emotional intelligence; (d) acquired needs (McClelland) and goal orientation (Ames; Dweck); or

(e) followership. Note that each topic has some self-evident subtopics.

Discuss your selected topic from the perspective of two of the following theoretical frameworks:

(a) LMX; (b) transformational or charismatic leadership; (c) situational leadership; (d) servant or

authentic leadership; or (e) Collins’ five-level leadership model.

Explore your selected topic as dictated by its nature in the context of your particular combination

of theories. For example, do your theories help solve a problem, add insight, create opportunities,

or suggest a training agenda?

APA style: Include title page, abstract (build by copying a topic sentence from each section, then

edit), body, and reference section (see the sample paper). For the body, follow this sequence:

Introductory Section [no section header—just repeat the title from the title page, non-bold]

Explain why exploring your topic is necessary. Then describe how you will organize the paper,

as well as your approach to applying the two theoretical frameworks creatively to the topic.

Literature Review [main section header—centered and bold]

Relate what prior researchers have written on your chosen topic and the two theories in scholarly

articles. From each article, discuss only those points that are on topic. Ignore other issues. Cite

correctly (author’s name and year only—no whole source titles). Quote minimally.

Main Thesis [create a title for this main section header—often a variant of your paper’s title]

Logically connect your two theories to your chosen topic. What causes what? What elements

converge? What adds insight? What helps solve a problem? Logic only—avoid saying “should.”

Recommendations [main section header—centered and bold]

Make some suggestions for practitioners, to enable them to address or exploit the chosen topic

(depending on the nature of the issue). This section is where you will correctly say “should.”

Discussion [main section header—centered and bold]

Recap what you have shown in your study, and then discuss implications. Be creative.

STANDARDS

Minimum length is 2,000 words (excluding title page, abstract, reference section, quoted matter,

and parenthetical matter). Use standard paragraph form—no tables, graphs, or bulleted lists. Use

correct, formal English (no contractions, colloquial terms, or slashes between words). Punctuate

correctly (US rules). Avoid duplicating long strings of words from outside sources (plagiarism).

Cite at least the textbook (no more than three times) and six qualifying journal articles (see

Syllabus for specifications). Good luck, and embrace the challenge!