Ethics

Expectations for Short Papers: Leadership & Ethics

Introduction:

The purpose of the introduction is to introduce the reader to the central theme of your paper. Additionally, an effective introduction should provide general information regarding the subject(s) you will be covering in your paper. The introduction should be succinct, organized and make sense. Because this is a short paper, the introduction must be no more than one to two paragraphs in length. (1 to 2-paragraph maximum) Note: If you do write one paragraph for your introduction, make sure it is thorough.

Tips for the Introduction Section:

Keep it general In other words, save the specific analysis of the information you will be discussing, for the actual analysis section. Remember, the introduction provides a broad overview of what will be discussed.
Please do not use direct quotes in the introduction. All concepts or theories should be paraphrased, this helps to create a stronger introduction written by you, versus taking information verbatim.
Make sure whatever you write in your introduction is elaborated on in the analysis section of your paper. Everything needs to connect 

Purpose Statement:

After the introduction, you would then gradually narrow down the focus to a specific purpose statement. A purpose statement, is essentially just like a thesis statement, except more specific and direct. It provides the paper with a clear scope, direction and purpose. The purpose statement should be concise, and therefore, the reader should have no doubt as to the topic of your paper and the exact components that you will be discussing in the analysis section.

Note: A purpose statement is written differently than a thesis statement. It may not be what you are normally used to. But please be sure to review the examples below so you are clear as to how I would like the purpose statement written.

The purpose statement can be two to three sentences (depending on the complexity of the paper), which again, explicitly states the focus and direction of the writing.

Examples of a purpose statement:

“The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of leadership and its importance to an organization. In addition, transformational leadership will be discussed, as well as the potential benefits this theory may within an organization.”

“The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of an ethical climate within an organization, and the biases that impact moral decision making. Additionally, an ethical issue will be examined, as well as the moral principles that should have been considered.”

*If you are ever wondering what components to put in your purpose statement, take a look at what is needed for the analysis section.

*Please note: In some courses your professor may ask for a thesis statement. A thesis statement is written differently from a purpose statement. So be sure to understand that not every paper you will write in graduate school will require a purpose statement, it depends on how the professor would like you to approach the assignment. For more information on the differences between a purpose and thesis statement, check out https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Thesis_or_Purpose.html

Content/Analysis:

The body of the paper is comprised of the analyzation and presentation of materials that supports your purpose statement. Paragraphs must be well developed and discuss each component necessary for the assignment. Additionally, materials from other sources as well as specific examples that tie back to your own organizational experiences, must be used in order to further substantiate your statements. Ethics 1

Don’t just “tell” the reader, “show” the reader. In other words, I am not looking for a summary of what you read, but rather a solid critical analysis in which theories and concepts are connected to examples.

(3.5 to 4 page maximum)

Tips for Writing the Analysis section:

Make sure you cover each component of the analysis section that is provided in the outline thoroughly.
Only include pertinent information-stay on track with what each part of the outline is asking.
When discussing concepts or theories, be sure to do the following: introduce, define (paraphrase), analyze, and provide examples to further support your analysis and perspective. You want to always approach your papers as if the reader is not familiar with the concepts you are discussing.
Please define concepts and theories in your own words (paraphrase).
Use quotes sparingly! Quotes are meant to enhance what is already written, they should not be used in place of defining concepts or theories.
Please make sure you understand how you would cite a direct quote, versus how you would cite when you paraphrase information. Please be sure to review the APA material located in week one.

Conclusion:

The conclusion should be definitive and concise. It should capture the importance of the central theme of the paper. Emphasizing the significance of the purpose statement and the issues/concepts you have discussed throughout the body of your paper. This helps your paper to be organized, and provides unity. (1 to 2 paragraphs maximum)

Tips for Writing Your Conclusion:

Try to not restate in specific detail everything you just discussed in the analysis section. Remember, you want to capture and wrap up the overall central theme of your paper.

Using Scholarly Resources:

Scholarly resources aside from your text, must be used for all papers in this course. In other words, pulling information from a website such as encyclopedia or wikepedia.com, is not considered a scholarly resource. Scholarly resources are peer-reviewed journal articles that are based on research. Please utilize the online library data base at WU.

Plagiarism Policy:

Additionally, please take time to review my policy on plagiarism located in the syllabus. Students are expected to review the policy prior to completing your assignment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me. I am here to help.