Reflective Essay: Exploring a Topic That Resonated with You
Due Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025, 11:59 p.m.; Late submissions until Sunday, July 6, 2025, with a 15% penalty. You must request approval to submit a past-due paper in writing. A 20% penalty will be applied. All submissions must be in by Sunday, 7/13/2025.
The Task
Select a topic from the Organizational Behavior & Effectiveness course that has significantly impacted on your understanding of management. Write a reflective essay explaining the topic and discussing why it resonated with you.
I. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
A. Self-Reflection: To encourage you to internalize management principles and understand their relevance to your personal and professional life.
B. Critical Thinking: To develop your ability to analyze topics deeply and relate them to real-world scenarios.
C. Effective Communication: To enhance your written communication skills by expressing your thoughts clearly and concisely.
• Focusing on personal resonance will reinforce your learning and help you discover how these management principles relate to your life and future careers. This approach transforms theoretical knowledge into practical wisdom.
• It is advisable to include real-life examples or current events that demonstrate your selected topic. Connecting theory to practice can make your reflections more tangible and impactful.
o This assignment isn’t just about recalling information. It’s about engaging with the material on a deeper level. It’s an opportunity for you to explore what kind of manager you aspire to be and how the topics you’ve learned can guide you on that journey.
II. Assignment Instructions (Use the following information to help you think about how
to express your reflections for this project)
A. Select a Topic: Note: If you are enrolled in more than one course with me, you cannot base your essay on the same topic.
• Choose Wisely: Reflect on the topics covered throughout the course. Identify one topic, theory, or idea that intrigued you or sparked your interest.
• Areas to consider: leadership, emotional intelligence, ethics, strategic planning, communication, motivation, diversity and inclusion, innovation management.
• Locate the discussions about your topic in the eBook.
B. Reflect Deeply on the Topic
• Personal Connection: Consider why this topic stands out. Does it relate to firsthand experiences, future career goals, or your beliefs about effective management?
• Impact Assessment: Consider how understanding this topic has influenced your perspective on management practices.
C. Structure Your Essay
• Introduce the Topic: Describe your chosen topic in your own words.
D. Explanation of the Topic (One – two Paragraphs)
• Delve Deeper: Key Theories or Models: Discuss any relevant theories, models, or frameworks associated with it. Use information from your eBook. Remember to cite the Source using the APA citation format.
• Significance: Briefly explain its importance in the field of management.
E. Personal Resonance (One Paragraph)
• Why It Matters to You: Explain why this topic resonates with you.
• Connections: Relate it to your experiences, observations, or aspirations.
F. Application and Insights – Explain how this topic is implemented in the real world.
(One Paragraph)
• Practical Implications – Reflect on and explain how this knowledge affects your view of management.
• Future Application – Discuss how you might apply this topic in real-world situations or your future career.
G. Personal Experiences: Share anecdotes or situations where this topic is applicable in your life. (Hint: possibly based on work experience or personal observations.)
H. What are other authors saying about your topic? Find and write an overview of a recent article related to your chosen topic. Identify only the key points. Cite the Source using the APA citation format. (Tip: Use the References button in Microsoft Word
III. What to Include in Your Reflection Paper – (Use the headings highlighted in bold type. Do not use your own headings)
A. Cover page – List your name (first and last name), the title of this course, and the topic you have chosen to write about. B. Introduction:
• Introduce the Topic: Describe the topic you’ve chosen in your own words.
• In what chapter of your eBook was the topic discussed?
• Delve deeper into what the topic entails. What are some things associated with this topic?
• Discuss, in brief, key theories or ideas associated with it. (Remember to cite the sources.)
C. Personal Resonance:
• Describe why this topic resonated with you.
• Connect it to personal experiences, observations, or future aspirations. D. Application and Insights:
• Briefly explain why the topic is relevant in the realm of management.
• Reflect on how understanding this topic affects your view of management.
• Consider how you might apply this knowledge in real-world situations.
E. Recent Article: Summarize the essential points discussed relative to your topic in a recent article. What are the main takeaways discussed in the article? Remember to cite it in the APA format. (Hint: Use the Monroe University digital library to find a recent article. The link to the library is on the Institution page of Blackboard.) F. Conclusion: (Base your conclusion on a few of the reflections listed below)
➢ Summarize Key Takeaways – briefly restate the main insights you gained from their reflection, reinforcing why the topic resonated with you.
➢ Personal Growth & Impact – articulate how your perspective has evolved or how the topic has influenced your thinking, beliefs, or future choices.
➢ Connections to Broader Ideas – You might consider how your reflection fits into larger discussions or real-world applications, making the topic feel even more relevant.
➢ Final Thought or Reflection – A firm conclusion leaves the reader with something to ponder—perhaps a lingering question, a call to action, or a realization you have uncovered.
IV. Formatting Instructions
I. Follow these Formatting Guidelines
• Font: (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Tahoma, or Times New Roman, 12 pt).
• Spacing: 1.5-inch line spacing.
• Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Length: Approximately 3 to 4 pages.
• Header: Include your name, course title, date and the title of your chosen topic at the top of the page.
• Citations – Your paper must include (at least) two (2) sources, including information from the eBook and your synopsis of a current article. All sources must be cited in the APA format. (Use the Reference button in Microsoft Word© for help.)
J. Ensure Clarity and Cohesion
• Flow of Ideas: Make sure your essay flows logically from one paragraph to the next.
• Clear Expression: Use clear and concise language to articulate your thoughts.
K. Editing and proofreading
• Grammar and Spelling: Check for and correct any grammatical errors or typos.
• Consistency: Ensure consistency in tense, perspective, and formatting.
L. Submit on-Time
• Submission Method: Submit your essay to the assigned drop box. Save your essay file using your first initial and last name format (e.g., JFlowers) M. Use the headings shown in the above section (see the yellow highlight).