Organizational Culture And Change

Assessment Task 1:

“Using Psychological research to support your discussion, critically evaluate the challenges faced by organizations when planning interventions to change organizational culture. (3000 words)

 

 

Additional Assignment Guidelines:

Note that the question is asking students to use psychological research to discuss the challenges faced by organizations when they want to use interventions to instigate organizational culture change. As such you should be considering what organizational culture is, how malleable and adaptable it is (or not), the differences between organizational culture, organizational climate, organizational identity etc.

 

You should also ensure that your discussion included examples from empirical research of when organizational culture change interventions have been successful and when they have failed.

 

Note: this is a critical discussion of the key issues and should move beyond describing or listing challenges, and ensure the key issues are fully discussed. Such discussions should integrate the use of supporting empirical evidence. This supporting empirical research should be reported using the APA system of referencing. An appropriate, full and detailed reference section should be included at the end of the essay.

 

 

Introduction:

Be clear and concise as this sets the scene for the essay, and let the reader know where this section starts and ends. This section introduction should “signpost” the reader to the overall shape of the essay. Clearly explain relevant terms and what the main points for discussion will be. Show that you know the definitions of key terms in the title and also describe how you will structure your answer (e.g., the key theories, models and studies that will be focused on). You can include some references here but lengthy discussions around research should occur in the main discussion section rather than in the Introduction.

 

Discussion

This is the main body of the essay and you should demonstrate the following: –

· A good essay will show in depth critical examination of basic and seminal research and theories within the core reading for this module. A very good essay will show in depth evidence of critical examination of more novel and/or advanced research and theories outside of the core reading.

· Inclusion of information/research evidence that helps to answer ‘the essay question’ only.

· Even though the majority of evidence may support one view, you will still critically discuss the other side.

· A clear structure so that the reader can follow the line of the argument. Try and present each paragraph in a logical order (e.g., key theories followed by empirical research that has tested these theories) and ensure that the first sentence in each paragraph captures the essence of the paragraph and that the last sentence summarizes the paragraph.

Linkage of paragraphs using linking words or phrases.

 

 

Conclusions

You need to let the reader know where the conclusion starts (e.g., ‘In conclusion, the essay focused on…etc.). You also need to clearly demonstrate: –

· The ability to draw main points of the discussion together.

· That you are not simply repeating/reiterating points from the discussion section but are instead synthesizing key themes/findings/recommendations

· The ability to link the conclusion(s) to all components of the title and aims.

· Consideration of recommendations for future research and improvements in the area.

 

** Please note that the above headings (i.e. Introduction/Discussion/Conclusion) are for your guidance and should not be included as headings in your final essay.

 

Presentation & Referencing

· There must be consistent and correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling

· The writing style should be in the third person past tense

· Consistent referencing throughout (APA referencing system)

· Wikipedia will NOT be accepted as an appropriate reference for this piece of work and marks will be deducted if it is used.

· Appropriate use of appendices where relevant.

· As previously mentioned, your assignment should be word processed (handwritten assignments are not accepted), double spaced, with numbered pages and your student number printed as a footer on every page. Please do not include your name on your assignment.

 

The word count excludes the References List and/or bibliography at the end of the essay. Appendices are not a supplement and will not be assessed as part of the content of the assignment, therefore will not contribute to the grade awarded, however it may be appropriate to use an Appendices section for any material which is a useful reference for the reader/marker. Assignments that are lengthier than the specified word count will not be read beyond the plus 10% point and will be marked according to the material already read.

You should ensure that you use a consistent style of APA referencing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grading Criteria:

CRITERIA	MARKS AWARDED
Introduction – 20% · Sets the scene of the essay · ‘Signposts’ the reader to the overall shape of the essay · Clear definition and explanation of relevant terms / main discussion points	/ 20
Discussion – 50% · Detailed description and understanding of key psychological theories and/or constructs · Ability to critically assess the relevant psychological literature · Use of wider reading around the topic to support discussion with a balance of seminal and contemporary reference sources · Clear focus on answering the question · A coherent structure to the essay, presenting a concise argument supported by examples from relevant psychological literature.	/ 50
Conclusions – 20% · Ability to draw main points of discussion together · Linkage of conclusions to assignment title.	/ 20
Presentation & Referencing – 10% · Correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling · Appropriate writing style (use of “third” person) · The majority of references are from academic journals and primary sources · References reported accurately in essay text · References reported accurately in attached ‘References’ section	/ 20

 

Students should recognise that the marking criteria are weighted to indicate its importance in relation to the information required.