Research Paper Instructions

Refer to the article submission from the beginning of the course to complete the research paper.  Follow and format your paper accordingly.

Step 1

In the beginning of this course, you submitted a scholarly, peer-reviewed article for approval. For this research paper, you will discuss the importance of that article in regards to organizational behavior while using the problem-solving, integrative framework learned in Chapter 1. With your organizational problem, provide the following information:

  • Brief summary of the organization.
  • Synopsis of the organizational challenges (Step 1 on the problem-solving approach)
  • What is the major overriding issue?
  • Provide the facts and examples to support the explanation of the problem.
  • Discuss key issues that merit the discussion.
  • Who are the various individuals and what part do they play? (Step 2 on the problem-solving approach)
  • What challenges, threats, or opportunities do they pose?
  • Explain the role of leadership in the situation.
  • Provide any environmental issues that should be considered.

As you discuss these areas to address the first portion of the problem-solving framework, provide examples and research to support your discussion.

Step 2

Now that you have laid the foundation of the problem, explain how the theory you researched applies. Provide in depth analysis with your article as the main evidence.

  • Explain the author’s current view on the chosen organizational theory and how it relates to your problem.
  • Provide key indicators that the author applies from theory to the concept in organizational behavior.
  • Discuss what you believe are the most relevant portions of the article that tie the theory and concepts with your organizational issue to create an explanation for the problem. In other words, if you had to explain the organizational issue to someone, how would you relate it to what the author has stated?

Step 3

The final process (Step 3) in the problem-solving framework is recommendations. Based on your research, use this final step to provide recommendation plans for the problem. Do you want to resolve, solve, or dissolve the problem? Consider the consequences as well for the plan of action in your recommendation. Use well-thought-out ideas and research to support your plan. Describe where you see your personality style fitting into your recommendation for the organization to make your plan work, to tie in the previous papers. Apply what you have learned through Scripture, describing how the Lord can utilize your strengths to implement the recommendation plan.

Formatting

  • Use proper, current APA format for every element of the paper. Be sure to include the APA-formatted cover page, abstract, and reference page. Refer to your APA manual for help or this site for assistance: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/18/
  • Write in first person—this is allowed due to the personal nature of the assignment.
  • To facilitate the instructor’s grading of these assignments, you must have major headings for Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3. Additionally, under the major headings, you must have subheadings as you see fit for the outlined instructions.
  • The exact number of paragraphs that you include in each section is your decision; your instructor will not be grading you on how many paragraphs you used per section, but rather the extent to which you specifically addressed each of the areas above.
  • The 8–10 required pages do not include the title page, abstract page, or reference page. Those must be counted as additional pages.
  • Be sure to double-space, using Times New Roman 12-point font only, use 1-inch margins, and avoid bold font (except for headlines, per current APA format), underlining, and contractions.
  • The reference page must include a minimum of the 5 following references in current APA format (all sources must be evident within the paper):
  • The approved article for research
  • Both of the course textbook(s)
  • 2 other scholarly sources from a peer-reviewed journal

Note: For further questions regarding current APA format, visit Liberty University’s Online Writing Center.

Submit the Research Paper to the appropriately labeled SafeAssign link first to review your percentage of originality. Then submit the Research Paper to the appropriate link for grading by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned module/week.