Leadership and communication
MGT522: Leadership and communication
Exploring leadership and communication.
Marks: 30
Report: 10 page report (MAXIMUM!!!). This does not include cover page (MAKE SURE YOU PUT YOUR NAME & ID ON IT), and Reference list.
Your project asks you to investigate a realtragedy that occurred at the dawn of high adventure expeditions as a tourist business focusing on leadership and communication.
In May 1996 Rob Hall and Scott Fischer, two of the world’s most accomplished mountaineers, each led an expedition attempting to reach the top of Mount Everest. Five individuals, including the two leaders, died during the descent from the summit on May 11. It proved to be the deadliest day in the mountain’s history. Since then, many survivors and other observers have tried to explain why this tragedy occurred.
Drawing from various first-hand accounts of the tragedy, the case provides a detailed account of the key events that took place in the days leading up to and including the final summit bid. The case describes how Fischer and Hall organized and led these two teams, and it documents the critical decisions that the leaders and their clients made during the climb. Through many of the quotes in the text, readers gain an understanding of the impressions and perceptions of the climbers, including how they felt about many of the critical decisions and incidents during the climb.
You are to interrogate this case focusing on the issues of leadership and communication.Following is a link that presents the movie, ‘Into Thin Air’ a docudrama written by Joh Krakaeur, one of the people on the expedition. (It provides insights relevant to your investigation). You are to discuss the case in detail focusing on the ideas covered in this course. (Use your notes, text. Research, Videos)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTUdvIbvvKE&t=4777s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTUdvIbvvKE&t=661s
Into Thin Air: link to Everest disaster tragedy (You tube)
(if stuck type inInto Thin Air search bar)
Upon successful completion of this short case, you should be able to
- differentiate leadership styles (focusing on Goleman’s 6) and dimensions
- Understand the importance of communication in leadership relation
- To examine how a leader’s character can fuel leadership actioni.e. ethical leadership behaviour
Following are some questions to help you focus your research. A GUIDE ONLY
- Why did this tragedy occur? What is the root cause of this disaster? (FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP,
COMMUNICATION)
- Are tragedies such as this simply inevitable in a place like Everest? (CAN GROUPS LIKE THIS,
CUSTOMERS, EVER BECOME REAL TEAMS REQUIRED FOR THIS ENVIRONEMNT?)
- What is your evaluation of Scott Fischer and Rob Hall as leaders? Did they make some poor
decisions? If so, why? (DISCUSS THEIR LEADERSHIP)
- What role does communication play in leadership? How was/was not communication
successful? i.e. What was wrong or how can the leaders improve it? And what impact might
that have on their leadership.
- What are the lessons from this case for general managers (YOU) in business enterprises? (TAKE
AWAYS)
You should include the following.
Introduction that is general and sets the stage for what will be discussed (introduce and help focus on relevant issues – leadership andcommunication. Secondary decision is your conclusion as to whether these are ethical leaders, or this is an ethical pursuit.
Suggested Format: (This suggested only. You may use whatever format you think will best build your arguments)
- Introduction
- Synthesis of the case
- Exploration of leadership (make sure you describe leadership)
- Communication influence on leadership
- Were these guides, ethical leaders?
- Summation of your investigation and takeaways for you – to improve your leadership
- Conclusion
- References
To complete this case:
Draw on your notes and text, videos, research (Harvard Business Review is appropriate research for this)
Some articles will be provided.
Your report submission:
Coverpage : Each person & ID
10 pages. 1 inch margins, 12 point font, page numbers.
References
Submitted via BlackBoard.
Lose 1 grade for late submissions.
Save and submit. Save as (MGT522 grp X Captain’s name)
Format:
Introduction
Synthesis of the case
Exploration of leadership (make sure you describe leadership)
Communication influence on leadership
Were these guides, ethical leaders?
Summation of your investigation and takeaways for you – to improve your leadership
Conclusion
References
Style:
Cover page, name, ID (if not included, lose 3 points)
8 pages (maximum)
1 inch margins
Page numbers
12 point font, 1.5 line spacing
References
Make sure you include:
Leadership – what is
Communication
Ethics
clarity of your report 9spelling, grammar, logic etc)
Rubric for project: Guide only
| Criteria | A (Excellent) | B+ (Very Good) | B (Good ) | C+ (Weak) |
| Appearance | Exceptionally attractive in terms of design, layout, and neatness. Excellent, grammar, references etc. | Attractive in terms of design, layout, and neatness. Good grammar, references etc. | Somewhat attractive, some elements are messy. Adequate, grammar, references. | Distractingly messy or very poorly designed; not attractive. Some references in appropriate or missing. Grammar etc weak |
| Objective & conclusion | Purpose is explicit. Draws a clear fulsome conclusion. Considers ALL THE TOPICS . | Purpose is implicit. Draws conclusion but may not consider the cultural dimension. | Purpose is vague.
Conclusion is vague. |
Purpose is not evident. Conclusion is not evident. |
| Content | Contains all elements( e.g., introduction / background, purpose, process, conclusion, references) . All issues above. Includes explanation of models where neede | Contains most elements (e.g., introduction/ background, etc.) Most issues above. Some explanations of models where needed, may need improvement of understanding or clarity | Contains some elements (e.g., introduction / background, etc.). Missing some issues. Weak explanation of models where needed or missing | . Contains few elements (e.g., introduction / background, etc.) . Missing many issues or not explaining models etc. |
| Content examples, analysis and conclusion | Provides evidence based examples at all levels and clearly explains relevance. . | Provides examples at some levels and clearly explains relevance. | Provides a few examples. Weak explanation of relevance s | Provides examples. Relevance unclear |
| Organization and Flow | Exceptionally organized, appears logical, with clear flow of ideas from one section to the next Excellent, grammar, references etc | Well organized, but in some areas lacks flow from one section to the next | Somewhat organized; lacks flow from one section to the next | Disorganized and illogical flow |
