Week+1

= Leadership and Organizational Analysis =

Throughout the process of completing assignments on this wiki, keep in mind related information from our primary text: Epstein, R. L. & Kernberger, C. (2006). //Critical Thinking (3rd Ed.)//. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.

** You will also begin examining what you consider to be an important leadership challenge. **
Consider these satirical illustrations of corporate life and what they suggest about phenomena related to leadership: (Warning: these videos contain some adult language)

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The introductory presentation reviewed in class is posted here:



A logic quick reference sheet is also posted here:
 * Information adapted from Kahane & Cavender (1997)

=Instructions for Week 1 tasks:=

1) Discussion posts:
(Use the discussion area of this page to submit your posts)
 * ====Initial post (by mid-week): Create a thoughtful response to the question: What is leadership?====

In addition, construct a valid short-form argument that reflects your view of what leadership is.

 * ====Response post (by week's end): Evaluate at least one of your classmate's arguments about leadership.====

2) Writing assignment:
(Submit your document as a Word file in the Project Content Page by week's end)
 * ====Create a draft of the research problem statement for your study that describes a significant example of what Heifetz (1994) would label as an "adaptive challenge" related to leadership in your organization (in other words, a challenge that is difficult to identify and address, rather than a "technical challenge" that is comparatively easier to identify and find solutions for) that merits deeper examination through your investigation. Include in this problem statement a short list of well crafted research questions that will guide your analysis.====
 * ====Provide relevant background, history and context related to the problem you have chosen to examine, which will represent a draft of your study's background section.====

Considerations:
 * Stay focused on the process of clearly identifying and diagnosing the problem, rather than offering solutions.
 * If you would like to adapt this scenario-oriented problem-based project to suit a small organization, social group or other unique situation, then please consult the instructor about your intended focus before you begin writing so that general consistency of process can be encouraged for all students in this course.