"Critical Reflection on Leadership Insights from a Global Leader Interview"

Assignment 1 - Interview

Value:50%

Group or individual:Individual

Word limit:maximum2,000words(+/- 10%). The word limit doesnotinclude the interview transcript.

Course Learning Outcomes

PGCLO1Demonstrate mastery of a global body of management knowledge and practice, including knowledge of research principles and methods

PGCLO3Demonstrate effective communication and reflection skills

Assignment overview

This is an individual assignment in which you will listen to an interview that has been done with a leader (or manager).

You are provided with two options:

1. A list of online interviews with reputable leaders, including subtitles/transcripts; or


2. You can explore and identify online interviews with leaders that interest you.

In case you select option 2, please consult your UC for confirmation.

Your assignment includes two main parts:

1. transcribing the interview and/or using the existing subtitle/transcriptions


2. writing a reflective essay delves into the key themes and lessons derived from this 'true global leadership story.'

The critical analysis should explore the key dimensions of transformative leadership, examining both strengths and areas for development in the interviewed leader (as applicable). Ground your analysis in concrete examples and reflect on your own leadership in relation to your workplace, as relevant.

Rationale / professional relevance of the assessment, content and format

The assessment is a reflective essay that holds significant relevance to practical, real-world leadership challenges by engaging you in critical thinking, reflection, and the critical analysis and writing of leadership interviews.It offers firsthand insights into the complexities of leadership across various levels (e.g., personal, organizational, community/society).

Theaimis toassess the level of self-awareness in leaders' development and explore the barriers and facilitators they encounter.

You will also examine how their transformation influences them, their teams, and their organisations, potentially impacting broader communities.

By delving into the personal and professional trajectories, challenges, successes, and failures of leaders, you gain practical knowledge and perspectives applicable to navigating the complexities of leadership roles.

The assignment's focus on reflective writing encourages you to connect theoretical concepts with practical experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics. Overall, this process allows you to draw from genuine leadership examples and apply what you've learned in your practice to effect positive transformations at personal, organisational, and community levels.

Preparation

1. Read the weekly content on leadership, leadership approaches/theories/styles/behaviours


2. Listen to the interviews provided


3. Develop an understanding thematic analysis


4. Develop an understanding of the components of the reflective essay


5. Think about how you will write critically by connecting the dots and backing up the argument with evidence-based information

Step 1: Selecting an Interview

Option one:Choose one of the interviews we suggest on popular CEOs/leaders

Option two: Look for a reputable leader (local, national, international) who has been interviewed (and recorded publicly) at any level.You can find the interviews online on news and any social platforms, or podcasts.

Please discuss your choice with the UC.

Step 2: Transcribing the interview

Transcription of the interview is the first crucial step of thematic analysis.

Almost all online interviews already have transcriptions (as subtitles), which facilitate the process, and you may not need to transcribe.

However, if required, several tools can help you transcribe your interview.

You can simply use MS Teams, and any other free software (MS Word online, Riverside, Happy Scribe, Otter AI, oTranscribe, Deepgram) to assist in transcription, or you can do it manually.

During the interview, takedetailed noteson all aspects of the interaction, including verbal responses, hesitations, social and emotional expressions, and particularly body language. This comprehensive record will serve as a crucial reference point for interpreting the data and drawing nuanced conclusions.

Step 3: Thematic analysis

Do a thematic analysis to find the:

1. key codes,


2. sub-themes and


3. themes raised from the interview.

Please refer to the instructions provided below. Also, feel free to attend one of the online drop-in sessions if you have questions about assessments, including thematic analysis.

You might find this PDF which provides a road map for conducting a thematic analysis useful:Qualitative thematic analysis_v2.pdfDownload Qualitative thematic analysis_v2.pdf

If you want to know more about thematic analysis, there are several readings in a folder title "Qualitative Thematic Analysis" in the reading list.

Step 4: Writing up

Introduction

Provide a background to the interview, the leader who is interviewed, the setting/organisation as applicable, and the aim of the interview (approx. 200 words).

Body (reflective essay)

Identifyfourkey themes as your findings based on the interview to discuss.

1. a) Provide the four key themes as headings, then describe each theme, supporting them with quotes from the interviewee;


2. b) Back up the themes with scientific-based evidence; and


3. c) Share your reflections on both the interviewed leader and their leadership. (approx. 1300 words). Each theme can be presented in 1-2 paragraphs, averaging around 300 words to ensure a balanced depth across all themes.

Conclusion

Provide take-home messages and lessons learned from the interview (approx. 500 words).This can include recommendations at various levels, including:

• individuals (e.g., how leaders can transform themselves and those around them at personal and professional levels)


• organisational (e.g., transforming people and production sides of the organisation, including strategic direction, structure, and talent acquisition, technology usage, and empowerment)


• community/societal transformation (e.g., policies changes, reforms).

Step 5: Referencing and sources

This assessment is different from a typical research report as its focus is on critical reflection regarding a leadership trajectory.

The goal is to identify key themes and lessons learned for transformation in both personal and professional capacities as a leader, as well as empowering others to transform their lives.

Your assessment should include aminimumofeighthigh-quality,peer-reviewed academic sources.

The primary sources for your citations should be drawn from the assigned and recommended readings for this unit.

Avoid using Wikipedia and refrain from relying solely on webpages or blogs.

The prescribed referencing style for this unit is APA 7th, and it is crucial to include both an end-text reference list and in-text citations.

Additional details are available in the Referencing Guide on the Edith Cowan University Library website.

Step 6: Submitting

Submit:

1. Your reflective essay as a word document


2. Provide the transcript as anappendix

Extensions

The School of Business and Law uses the extension tracker system. To apply for an extension please clickhere. Please note that the system cannot be used for group work, quizzes, or time-sensitive assessments. In these cases, you need to make arrangements with me directly to request an extension.

Before applying for an extension, please check out theECU Guidelines for Extensionswhich details circumstances that can and cannot be used to gain an extension. For example, normal work commitments, family commitments and extra-curricular activities are not accepted as grounds for granting you an extension of time because you are expected to plan ahead for your assessment due dates.

Late submissions

Assessment tasks submitted after the due date and time (or the extended due date and time) will incur a penalty of 5% per day, including weekends. Assessments submitted more than seven days late will be awarded a mark of zero.

Assignment Criteria/Rubric

Refer to the rubric below.

Resources

Minimum 15 Academic articles

• APA 7th Referencing GuideLinks to an external site.

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  • Academic Integrity
  
  
  
  


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  • Responsible use of AI