Assignment 1 – Blog Writing (Individual)

Weighting: 30% of total course grade

Marks: 60

Submission Format: DOC, DOCX, or PDF via Canvas

Word Limit: Maximum 2,500 words

Learning Outcome Covered

This assignment addresses the following Learning Outcome from 9230 Leading and Managing People:

LO1: Critically assess leadership styles, management skills, communication skills, and ethical decision-making, both personally and in a range of workplace contexts.

Assignment Purpose

This assignment helps you develop the following key skills and attributes:

• Ethical practice – Understanding and applying high ethical standards and sustainable practices.
• Lifelong learning – Demonstrating reflection, adaptability, and self-managed learning.
• Communication and social skills – Expressing ideas clearly and engaging with others.
• Cultural competence – Engaging with diverse cultural perspectives, including the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (partnership, participation, and protection).

Task Instructions

Write a blog-style article suitable for publishing on a professional platform (e.g., LinkedIn or Medium). You must use clear, engaging, and reflective writing that demonstrates personal insight and critical thinking.

Structure Your Blog Using the Following Headings:

1. Home (Introduction)
   • Introduce your chosen topic and explain why it is relevant or important.
   • Clearly state your objective and include your topic in the subtitle.
2. Leadership Styles
   • Explore relevant leadership styles for your chosen context (e.g., autocratic, democratic, transformational, transactional, servant-leadership, situational, coaching, pacesetting, etc.).
   • Explain what styles may work best and why.
3. Management Skills
   • Identify and discuss management skills needed in the context of your topic.
   • Consider aspects such as planning, delegation, or performance management.
4. Communication Skills
   • Explain the importance of communication in leadership and management.
   • Provide examples of effective communication in your chosen area.
5. Ethical Decision-Making
   • Reflect on the ethical issues that might arise in your topic and how you would respond.
   • Link this back to your values or any ethical frameworks.
6. References
   • Provide a list of all sources cited using APA 7th edition.
   • At least 10 peer-reviewed sources are required, along with any additional relevant materials.
7. Appendix A – Peer Review Comments (10 marks)
   • You must give written feedback to a colleague on their draft at least one week before submission.
   • Attach a copy of your feedback in this appendix.

Topic Selection

Each student must choose a unique topic. Clearly state your topic in the subtitle and introduction. Please avoid selecting the same topic as another student to ensure the originality of your work.

Peer Review Requirement

Although the blog is an individual task, you are required to provide constructive comments on a colleague’s draft before submission. This is worth 10 marks. Make sure to attach your feedback as Appendix A.

Referencing

Use APA 7th edition for all in-text citations and references. Make sure that:

• All sources used in the body of your work appear in the reference list.
• You include at least 10 peer-reviewed academic sources.
• Additional credible, contemporary sources may be included as needed.