Is ‘transformational leadership’ the most appropriate model of leadership for the contemporary public and/or third sector(s)? Use a carefully selected case study to illustrate your answer and reflect on your own development as a current or future public and/or third sector leader.
Further tips for writing up your essay:
- Answer the question – but don’t treat it as ‘yes or no’.
- Think thoroughly: What exactly is this question asking?
- Define and explain all concepts used (it helps to underline key words in the question to make sure you don’t overlook them).
- Use the literature, embed your answer within existing arguments and positions. How does what you want to say relate to what others before you have said?
- Do not simply state your opinions or beliefs: make your argument, explain your reasoning and substantiate it.
- Provide analysis and show critical thinking (not just description).
- Leave out everything that does not pertain directly to the question (i.e., don’t put in everything that you know about a topic, only what is relevant).
- Stick to the world limit within a 10% margin.
- Use a clear structure and flow:
- Introduction (approx. 10%): outline the significance of the topic, state your argument, provide the structure of the essay
- Main Body (approx. 20%): make your points; use sub-headings sparingly to divide up the text, and roughly evenly weighted paragraphs to make a single point, or small group of points. Using bullet points and embedding diagrams and tables sparingly in your text can also aid understanding of complex ideas and data. ‘Signpost and link’ your paragraphs in the first and last sentences of each so that your essay flows.
- Conclusion (approx. 10%): summarise and qualify your argument and identify pertinent questions that require further exploration.
- Reference thoroughly and accurately (Harvard or Chicago, but be consistent)
- Useful resources on referencing:
- Harvard – Cite Them Right (log in with your QMUL details)
- Provide Bibliography at end.
- Paginate and provide a word count.