Describe the concept of empowerment and discuss whether or not it is a universally effective leadership method.

BS302/562 Leadership Theory and Practice:  Major Essay
Choose any one of the topics below and write an essay of approximately 2000 words in response.  Your essay should be thoroughly researched and referenced and, where appropriate, use

examples from actual organisations.
1.    Describe the concept of empowerment and discuss whether or not it is a universally effective leadership method.

2.    Discuss the challenges facing the leaders of virtual teams.  To what extent can mainstream team leadership methods be used in a virtual environment?

3.    Research an organisation that is known for its creativity and innovation and identify the strategic leadership practices that enable these qualities.  How closely do these practices

reflect strategic leadership theory?

4.    Identify an existing leadership development program and critique it against the principles and practices outlined in the literature.  What are its strengths and weaknesses?  How

effective would it be?  (NB  If you choose this topic, please submit a copy of the program outline/prospectus as an attachment)

5.    Critique the concept of worldly leadership.  Is it a realistic approach to leadership in all types of organisations and contexts, or is it more suited to some than others?

Marking Criteria
Criteria    Fail    Pass    Credit       Distinction    High Distinction

Understanding of concepts and theories    No understanding of leadership concepts and theories
Limited understanding of leadership concepts and theories    Sound understanding of leadership concepts and theories    High level of  understanding of leadership concepts

and theories    Deep understanding of leadership concepts and theories
Critical thought    No evidence of critical thought;  ideas simply rehashed from texts
Evidence of limited critical thought; mostly reliant on ideas from texts.    Good level of critical thought and analysis without extending the concepts.    High level of critical

thought with some evidence of original thinking    Exceptionally high level of analysis and synthesis with original thinking.
Writing    Poor written expression;  frequent spelling errors/typos
Reasonable written expression; regular spelling errors/typos    Writes coherently; occasional spelling errors/typos    Writes clearly and fluently; correct spelling, a minor typo or

two    Writes articulately and engagingly; no spelling errors or typos
Research/
Referencing    Little or no research evident; fails to acknowledge sources    Minimal research evident; relies on non-academic sources;  referencing incorrect or incomplete

Reasonable level of research evident; academic and non-academic sources cited; referencing mostly correct    Substantial research from academic sources evident; correct referencing

throughout    Extensive research from academic sources evident; correct referencing throughout