The evolution of leadership theory brought attention to early study findings that identified leader traits based
on a narrow segment of the population. As diversity in leadership gained consideration, the subject was often
added to the foundation of earlier studies. Western (2013) warned that “diversity issues are marginalized in
management circles and business schools” (p. 99). This assignment focuses on leadership specific to gender
and ethnic diversity.
Leaders in all settings have an obligation to recognize their own biases and observe individuals and cultural
dynamics as objectively as possible. Take the opportunity in this Critical Thinking Assignment to practice
objectivity in research.
1. This Critical Thinking Assignment culminates in the form of a management report* based on data from
your own observational research within your work environment or community organization. The problem
that you are investigating is the low percentage of women in formal leadership positions in the organization.
Gather scholarly articles on 2 leadership theories associated with diversity and especially gender diversity to
serve as a backdrop for your investigation.
2. To prepare for the observational research, Western (2013) [required reading] suggests that observers work
to set aside any preconceived notions of what might be discovered. Western uses the term “follow the actors”
to describe how an objective observer strives to follow the leads of the group members rather than assuming
what is might be involved. Also, look beyond the human actors to note the role of non-human elements of
the setting.
Select a group or team within the organization to observe and answer the following:
o Who is sitting at the leadership table and who is absent?
o Whose voices are heard and whose aren’t, and why?
o Whose values and interests are being represented?
o Is there leadership that goes unnoticed?
[NOTE: if you are unable to physically access a location for observational research or to conduct such
observations in general, you may complete this assignment by doing one of the following: a) enlisting the
support of another person who can help you interpret the group; b) write a paper on the best practices to
employ, using a group scenario that you construct and describe. Address all the questions and requirements
in the regular assignment; or c) ask a group if you may observe them using SKYPE or FaceTime, for
example. Reach out to your instructor for more assistance]
3. Once the observations are completed, prepare the data for analysis. You might define categories or identify
themes based on what was recorded. Then analyze the data according to relevant diversity leadership
theories such as Trait, Charismatic, Transformational, Strategic, Diversity, Shared/Participative and
Delegative/Empowerment.
4. Prepare a management report* for a hypothetical audience of managers that have a stake in the stated
problem.
The management report:
Include five (5) sections within a maximum of five pages (in addition to the required title and reference
pages and appendices). The report sections include:
• The Introduction of your investigation including a statement about why the research is important
(remember your audience!)
• A description of how you collected the observational data, prepared data, and analyzed for results. Explain
why these methods are appropriate (support with scholarly sources)
• A literature review of the two associated theories
• A discussion of the results and how the managers might use the findings to address the stated problem
• A summary of the investigative process and a closing statement of what you, the researcher, learned from
the study.
• Use appendices to include raw data, data preparation worksheets, or analytic tools.
• Include associated citations and reference pages. Format your entire report according to APA guidelines