Reducing human errors through management and leadership styles (Theory X and Y)
BSc Hons Occupational Safety, Health & Environment
Management of Risk (OMED 1161)
Academic Session
Term 2 2024/25
Module
Management of Risk (OMED 1161)
QCF Level
6
Tutor
Assignment
2 of 2 (Case Study)
Pass Mark
40%
Assignment 2 Question
You are the Health and Safety Manager in a company of your choice, tasked with improving its health and safety records by:
Reducing human errors through management and leadership styles (Theory X and Y).Risk assessment process and methodsHazard identification and risk assessment techniques
Write a 1500-word case study report that critically evaluates the above bullet points and makes relevant recommendations. Make the relevant assumption, including clearly outlining the relevant points about the company of your choice.
Your report should include an introduction, key headings, conclusion and recommendations. You will need to read and evaluate the published research literature and guidance on this subject and reference these sources using the Harvard system of referencing in your report to support your discussion throughout.
General Instruction
You should research a range of reference materials including recent published research relating to the topic you are discussing. Journal articles on research can be found through the portal in the e-library using science direct, for guidance on accessing journals and eBooks online please refer to the accessing electronic resources guide on Moodle. The work is to be word-processed, double or 1.5-line spacing Arial or Calibri, 12 Font, aligned to the left hand of the page and appropriately referenced using the Harvard system. A word count must be included, and the assignment should be within +/- 10% of the word limit.
Assessment Criteria
This assignment accounts for 50% of the module grade overall. The pass mark is 40%. The final grade for the module is an aggregate of the grades achieved for assignment 1 and 2. It is not necessary therefore to pass both assignments to pass the module overall. It will be assessed using the criteria below:
45% – Content25% – Critical evaluation including recommendations15% – Structure and presentation15% – Referencing
Feedback
Written feedback is provided on Moodle along with your grade breakdown. Please ensure you pay close attention to your feedback and email your course tutor should you require any further clarification on the points raised.
Submission
All work must be submitted electronically through Moodle using the submission link provided. The submission date will usually be approximately 6 weeks after the study school. Work submitted late will not be marked unless a formal extension of time has been granted. Please contact your course tutor if you cannot make the submission date.
Plagiarism and Copying
Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement. Plagiarism may be intentional or reckless, or unintentional. Under the University Regulations, intentional or reckless plagiarism is a disciplinary offence. We will ignore small matches associated with common phrases and terms and will ignore matches highlighted in your reference list when considering whether your work is plagiarised.
The Turnitin system in Moodle provides a similarity check for all work that is submitted. As a rule, you should aim to get your similarity score into the “green” zone on the Turnitin submission system. If you are in the “amber” zone you will need to look very carefully at your work to see what you can put into your own words to reduce your score. High amber scores may be referred to the plagiarism panel and will certainly mean that a significant part of your work will not be considered in the marking. If you are in the “red” zone you will be referred to the plagiarism panel. We strongly advise you to submit a final draft through Turnitin well before the cut-off date to check your similarity score. Please remember that you are only allowed to submit one draft version of your work every day so leave yourself plenty of time to revise and resubmit your final version of your assignment.
Example Answer
Improving Health and Safety Records through Management and Leadership Styles
Introduction
In today`s dynamic work environment, the importance of effective health and safety management cannot be overstated. This report explores how different management and leadership styles—specifically Theory X and Theory Y—can significantly reduce human errors and enhance health and safety records within an organisation. By analysing the implications of these theories, this report aims to provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
Management and Leadership Styles
Theory X and Theory Y Overview
Douglas McGregor`s Theory X and Theory Y provides a framework for understanding employee motivation and management styles.
Theory X assumes that employees are inherently lazy, dislike work, and require strict supervision. Managers who adopt this style tend to use authoritarian methods to control employees, believing that they need to be coerced into performing tasks.Theory Y, on the other hand, posits that employees are self-motivated, enjoy responsibility, and seek opportunities for personal growth. Leaders who embrace this approach foster a collaborative environment, encouraging innovation and autonomy among staff.
Reducing Human Errors
Impact of Leadership Styles on Human Error
Human errors in the workplace are often the result of poor communication, lack of motivation, and inadequate training. By implementing a Theory Y leadership approach, organisations can create an environment where employees feel valued and empowered to take ownership of their work. This shift can lead to:
Enhanced Engagement: Employees who feel trusted are more likely to be engaged in their roles, reducing the likelihood of mistakes caused by disengagement or apathy.Improved Communication: A participative leadership style encourages open dialogue, allowing employees to voice concerns and share insights that could prevent errors.Better Training and Development: Theory Y leaders are more likely to invest in training and development, ensuring employees are well-equipped to perform their duties safely and effectively.
