Option #1: Invictus

BUSI 4112B: Final Term Paper
In lieu of a final exam, you will be required to submit a final paper. The purpose of this paper is
similar to that of an exam. I expect you to demonstrate a solid understanding of the concepts
and theories that we have discussed over the course of the semester. The final paper should
be 12-14.5 pages maximum (excluding Title Page, References), and can be less if you can
sufficiently cover everything that is needed in fewer pages.
PLEASE NOTE that in light of these Carleton requirements I am not permitted to accept any
paper after April 7th. Please do not miss this deadline! No extensions can be granted!
You can submit your papers electronically via cuLearn.
This final assignment requires you to watch one of several films dealing with the phenomenon of
leadership and many of the concepts that you have learned about in this course. After viewing
this film, you will analyze its contents and respond to the corresponding questions in the form of
a coherent and thoughtful term paper. Be sure to develop your answers using your readings (from
the textbook and assigned articles), and your lecture notes. *As part of this paper, you will also
be required to cite three empirical sources not assigned in class. You are free to use these three
articles to support your answers how you see fit. Regardless of where you apply them, briefly
outline what the article / study is about, what the study found, and how the study supports the
point you are making.
It is important to tell you that these film options may contain profanity, violence, sexuality, and
other sensitive issues (e.g. racial matters, drug use). If you do not wish to view these films
because they may make you feel uncomfortable, please come and see me.
The analysis you submit in completion of this assignment must be entirely your own individual
effort. You must not review any aspect of another student’s analysis, nor may you allow another
student to review your analysis – for example, lending someone your rough draft or finished
work. Remember, this assignment is meant to replace a final exam. That said, if you wish to
come and speak to me about your ideas for the paper, please feel free to do so.
Formatting guidelines:
• 12-14.5 pages, Double-spaced
• 12 pt. Times New Roman
• 1-inch margins
• Please use headings to guide your analysis
• Please use APA referencing style
• Please submit as a Microsoft Word document
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You are free to choose any one of the following final paper options1:
Option #1: Invictus
Watch the film “Invictus”. Invictus is a film that depicts the efforts of Nelson Mandela to combat
racial tensions and divisions in post-apartheid South Africa, using the Springboks national rugby
team as a way to facilitate this goal. Using examples from the film, and drawing upon the
literature (i.e. textbook, supplementary articles, slides, course notes, independent research) please
address the following:
First, discuss Mandela as a leader. More specifically, diagnose Mandela’s leadership using the
transformational leadership theory, providing specific examples to support your insights.
(Approx. 24 marks)
Second, Mandela and Pienaar undoubtedly served as change agents in this film. a) Discuss why
you believe Mandela’s and/or Pienaar’s efforts were met with resistance by some individuals; b)
show how aspects of Kotter’s framework for change apply to Mandela’s and/or Pienaar ‘s
behaviour; and c) provide evidence to suggest that their change efforts were successful.
(Approx. 17 marks)
Third, identify the followership style of one individual whom Mandela led. Do you believe this
follower successfully “managed up”? Why or why not? Provide examples to support your ideas.
(Approx. 9 marks)
Fourth, select and demonstrate how 3 other course concepts are relevant to this film. Be sure to
clearly explain the concepts, how you believe they apply to the film, and provide examples to
support your claims. Please note: additional course concepts should deal with topics other than
transformational leadership, leading change, and followership. Moreover, 1 (and only 1) of
these 3 course concepts must come from the Team Teaching presentations of your peers
(i.e. not your own presentation).
(Approx. 20 marks)
Finally, to conclude your paper, outline some general principles that can be extracted from your
analysis and applied to organizational settings (i.e. what are a few general “take-aways” or
leadership lessons learned from this film?).
(Approx. 6 marks)
1 For consistency and marking purposes, film substitutions are not an option.
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Option #2: Training Day
Watch the film “Training Day”. Training Day is a dramatic film that follows a rookie narcotics
officer on the first day of his new job. Using examples from the film, and drawing upon the
literature (i.e. textbook, supplementary articles, slides, course notes, independent research) please
address the following:
First, discuss Alonzo as a leader. More specifically, a) What type of leader is Alonzo?; b) In
what ways does Alonzo have power and what is Jake’s response to this power? Provide solid
evidence to support your claims.
(Approx. 17 marks)
Second, diagnose the antecedents of Alonzo’s leadership using the “toxic triangle”. Use
examples to support your arguments.
(Approx. 24 marks)
Third, apply what you have learned about ethical leadership to Alonzo. What do you believe
guided his behaviour and decisions, and why do you believe this to be the case? How does this
compare to what guided the behaviour and decisions of Jake? Moreover, how did Alonzo
account for his behaviour?
(Approx. 9 marks)
Fourth, select and demonstrate how 3 other course concepts are relevant to this film. Be sure to
clearly explain the concepts, how you believe they apply to the film, and provide examples to
support your claims. Please note: additional course concepts should deal with topics other than
those related to the leadership style you discuss in the first question, power, destructive
leadership, and ethical / moral leadership. Moreover, 1 (and only 1) of these 3 course concepts
must come from the Team Teaching presentations of your peers (i.e. not your own
presentation).
(Approx. 20 marks)
Finally, to conclude your paper, outline some general principles that can be extracted from your
analysis and applied to organizational settings (i.e. what are a few general “take-aways” or
leadership lessons learned from this film?).
(Approx. 6 marks)
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Option #3: The Iron Lady
Watch the film “The Iron Lady”. The Iron Lady is a dramatic film that portrays the life and
leadership ascent of Margaret Thatcher – the longest-serving British Prime Minister and the only
woman to have ever held office in the United Kingdom. Using examples from the film, and
drawing upon the literature (i.e. textbook, supplementary articles, slides, course notes,
independent research) please address the following:
First, discuss Thatcher as a leader. More specifically, a) What type of leader is Thatcher / what
type of leadership behaviour would you say that Thatcher displayed?; b) How does this compare
to the leadership style / behaviour that studies have shown women “typically” enact and excel
in?; c) Was Thatcher’s leadership style of any consequence? In other words, discuss the ways
that Thatcher was an effective and/or ineffective leader. Provide solid evidence to support all of
your claims.
(Approx. 24 marks)
Second, what gender or minority-based challenges did Thatcher likely face in her ascent to highlevel leadership? Provide examples where appropriate to support your suggestions. Moreover, do
you believe that Thatcher “Leaned In”? Please explain and provide support for your argument.
(Approx. 17 marks)
Third, what tactics for asserting influence or persuasion did Thatcher draw upon or could have
drawn upon to facilitate her goals and convince her followers to adopt her ideas / decisions?
Provide examples to support your thoughts.
(Approx. 9 marks)
Fourth, select and demonstrate how 3 other course concepts are relevant to this film. Be sure to
clearly explain the concepts, how you believe they apply to the film, and provide examples to
support your claims. Please note: additional course concepts should deal with topics other than
those related to the leadership style / behaviour you discuss in the first question, gender /
diversity and leadership, and influence and persuasion. Moreover, 1 (and only 1) of these 3
course concepts must come from the Team Teaching presentations of your peers (i.e. not
your own presentation).
(Approx. 20 marks)
Finally, to conclude your paper, outline some general principles that can be extracted from your
analysis and applied to organizational settings (i.e. what are a few general “take-aways” or
leadership lessons learned from this film?).
(Approx. 6 marks)
**Please note that I have placed several copies of each film on reserve at
MacOdrum Library for your convenience**
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Final Paper Grading Sheet
Content /83
• Strong application of course concepts / course readings / lecture notes
• Key terms identified, defined / explained, and well-integrated
• Answers are well-defended using material
• Appropriate examples are taken from the film
• Appropriate / insightful selection and defense of 3 additional course concepts
• Appropriate / insightful use of external sources
Impression /17
• Comprehensive introduction (purpose of paper / key questions identified)
• Conclusion is logical and presents meaningful suggestions / “take-aways”
• Paper has “substance” and is persuasive
Presentation /8
• Clear and articulate, with unambiguous word choice
• Grammar, spelling, and punctuation is correct
• Structure is clear and easy to follow
• Sentences are well constructed, complete
• Attention given to format requirements
Total: / 108