Law : Public Policy

It is often not possible or practical to study an entire population, so researchers draw samples from which they make inferences about a population of interest. In quantitative research, where generalization to a population is typically valued, a researcher’s ability to make such inferences is only as good as the sampling strategy she or he uses to obtain the sample. Once an appropriate sample has been obtained, data collection should involve valid and reliable measures to ensure confidence in the…

Discussion: Designing Mixed Methods Research Mixed methods research designs refer to a set of designs that purposively mix or integrate both qualitative data and quantitative data. As with quantitative research and qualitative research, the choice to use mixed methods research is influenced by the researcher’s philosophical orientation. This week’s readings provide an overview of various types of mixed methods research designs. As with previous discussions on design, the selection of the most appropriate mixed design is guided by the study’s…

Discussion: Designing Qualitative Research As you recall from earlier weeks, various philosophical orientations hold unique epistemological and ontological assumptions. These assumptions return to the forefront of attention when considering how to evaluate the rigor or quality of various qualitative research designs. Typically, when speaking of validity, qualitative researchers are referring to research that is credible and trustworthy, i.e., the extent to which one can have confidence in the study’s findings (Lincoln & Guba, 1985). Generalizability, a marker of reliability, is…

Assignment: Servant Leaders Servant Leadership is measured on a variety of dimensions, such as behavior, ethics, empowerment, and putting subordinates first. These dimensions can be more fully developed in leaders who have integrity and strong ethics. Servant Leadership is frequently the foundation for corporate leader training and the first step in this training is often assessing where you stand on each of the dimensions. To prepare for this Assignment, go to the "Servant Leadership Questionnaire" in the course text, Leadership:…

Discussion: Authentic Leadership and Team Leadership Authentic Leadership is a relatively new leadership approach and as a result much more research is needed. There is no standard, accepted definition of Authentic Leadership but it can best be described as transparent, responsible to people's needs, and adhering to a moral code. It is becoming more popular as a response to leadership failures in both the private and public sectors. Teams have become more of a fixture in both the public and…

Assignment: Authentic Leadership Authentic Leadership measurements focus on areas of self-awareness and personal ethics, among others. Understanding your level of these areas might help you recognize your strengths as an authentic leader. You can then determine how those strengths might be incorporated into your role as a team leader. To prepare for this Assignment, go to the "Authentic Leadership Self-Assessment Questionnaire" and the "Team Excellence and Collaborative Team Leader Questionnaire" in the course text, Leadership: Theory and Practice. For the…

Discussion: Path-Global Theory Path-Goal Theory depend on the match between a leader's behavior, the task at hand, and the characteristics of the subordinates. Path-Goal Theory states that employees can be motivated if they believe their work will reap rewards. As you begin this Discussion, think about the relationship between Path-Goal Theory and follower motivation. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of Path-Goal Theory and its impact on subordinate behavior. Review the Leader Behaviors described in the course text, Leadership: Theory and…

Assignment: Leader Relationships The Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory encourages leaders to be respectful to subordinates and to build relationships with all subordinates for a fair and equitable working environment. Transformational Leadership encourages leaders to be aware of their own behavior in their relationships with subordinates. So, together, these theories might make a big impact on how a leader and the leader's subordinates unite as a team to create a healthy working environment. To prepare for this Assignment, go to the…

Discussion: Leadership Theory The Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory of leadership is different from the other theories and approaches you have studied so far. You have studied approaches and theories that focus on the leader. You have also studied approaches and theories that focus on the context or situation between the leader and the subordinate. LMX Theory sees leadership as a process that focuses on the interactions between leaders and subordinates. Transformational Leadership is different again, in that it studies leaders…

Assignment: Path-Goal Leadership Questionnaire The Path-Goal Theory can be quite versatile as it offers a wide range of relationships between a leader and subordinates. A leader must determine the best style for motivating individual subordinates based on what each individual needs and the work environment. This versatility demands a level of flexibility in leader behavior. How flexible are you in your personal leadership style? To prepare for this assignment, go to the "Path-Goal Leadership Questionnaire" in your course text. Complete…