Leadership

Question 1
Based on your research of a leader, with reference to theory and knowledge
learned in this course, provide an analysis of his or her leadership approach and
effectiveness.
(Total 1500 word)
To answer this question students will have to have prepared in advance and this is
signalled throughout the course. In particular, students are asked to find an example of
leadership in a real-life context, observe and/or interview the leader, and write in the
exam an essay linking the practice they observed to theory.
Suggestions for subjects given in the course include the following, but other examples are
acceptable.
• Their job
• Clubs – sports, hobbies
• Specific projects
• Small local firms (with employees!)
• Other businesses
• Schools
• Nurseries
• Fire/police stations
• Scouts and similar
Do not include leaders from history or leaders whom you are otherwise not able to
observe or interview.
Throughout the LTP course there have been ‘exam preparation’ suggestions relating to
Mandatory Question 1. Ultimately, Question 1 should be a coherent essay that fulfils the
following requirements:
• Set the scene – clearly explain who was studied, gender, age, context.
• Explore leadership style(s) observed.
• Link practice to theories of leadership. The best answers will cite references to
scholarly work covered in the course and will engage with the key question of how
useful theory is.
• Provide an analysis of how successful the leadership observed is and make
suggestions as to how it might develop, if appropriate.
2
Marks are awarded based on:
1. The clarity of the explanation of who was studied and the context.
2. Clear evidence of primary empirical study of the subject, either by interview or
observation, so that the topic is entirely original.
3. The quality of analysis of primary data in the context of knowledge and theories
included in the course.
4. A clear and informed statement about the success of the leadership observed.