Week 2 - Assignment Topic Selection Refer to the Week 6 ✓ Solved

Determine your topic for the final assignment. In four paragraphs, address the following: you will write a term paper on a topic related to leadership within the human services setting. The topic picked is highlighted in yellow. State and describe the topic selected. Explain why you have selected it, describing why you think the topic is important and why it is of interest to you. Summarize your current knowledge of and familiarity with the topic, identifying any professional or academic experience you may have relating to it. You may revise this assignment as needed in future weeks and use it as an introduction for your final paper.

Paper For Above Instructions

Title: Abuses of Leadership Power in Human Services

Leadership within human services is a critical area that impacts the efficacy and quality of care provided to vulnerable populations. My chosen topic for the final paper is the "Abuses of Leadership Power and the Impact on Disenfranchised Client Groups." This topic is essential because it addresses the darker aspect of leadership that can lead to detrimental outcomes for vulnerable clients, particularly those with developmental disabilities. The issue of leadership power abuse is not just a theoretical concern but a practical one that has far-reaching implications for the quality of services offered, the morale of staff members, and, ultimately, the welfare of the clients served.

I selected this topic due to my personal connection and professional background in working with individuals with developmental disabilities. My experience has exposed me to various leadership styles within human services, some of which have positively impacted client care, while others have resulted in significant distress and a lack of trust between clients and leaders. Exploring this topic is crucial for me as it highlights the necessity of ethical leadership practices in preventing abuses of power that can harm disenfranchised populations. The leadership model applied in a human services context can affect how services are delivered and perceived by clients, making this an important subject for discussion in today's changing healthcare landscape.

My familiarity with the topic stems from both my academic coursework and my hands-on experience working with marginalized groups. I have studied various leadership theories and their applications in the human services sector, giving me insights into the dynamics of power and influence. Additionally, through my professional interactions, I have witnessed both the positive and negative consequences of how leadership decisions affect client outcomes. This topic resonates with me not only on a professional level but also on a personal one, as I have seen first-hand the effects of powerful leadership decisions on individuals who rely heavily on these services. It is my intent to use this paper as a springboard for deeper exploration into how ethical leadership can be fostered within human services, particularly when addressing issues of power and privilege.

Moreover, my academic journey has equipped me with the tools necessary to analyze issues surrounding leadership in human services critically. As noted by Guerrero et al. (2014), organizational capacity and leadership significantly affect service integration and, by extension, the quality of care experienced by clients. Addressing leadership power abuses is not merely an academic exercise but a necessary pursuit for those of us committed to ensuring that all clients receive equitable and respectful services. As such, this paper will seek to highlight the need for systemic changes that promote ethical leadership, ultimately benefitting disenfranchised groups and ensuring their voices are heard.

References

  • Guerrero, E. G., Aarons, G. A., & Palinkas, L. A. (2014). Organizational capacity for service integration in community-based addiction health services. American Journal of Public Health, 104(4), e40-7. Retrieved from ProQuest database.

  • McCarthy, D., Kerrisk, M., & Gijbels, H. (2012). Turning recovery principles into practice through leadership. The International Journal of Leadership in Public Services, 8(1), 21-32.

  • Walsh, R. & Coveney, J. (2012). Leadership and Change in the Human Services. Journal of Human Services, 7(3).

  • Katz, D., & Kahn, R. L. (1978). The Social Psychology of Organizations. Wiley.

  • Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage publications.

  • Trottier, T. & Van Wart, M. (2002). Levels of Leadership in the Human Services. Public Administration Review, 62(5), 587-596.

  • Barker, R. A., & J. W. (2001). Leadership through the lens of complexity theory: An application to the human services. The Leadership Quarterly, 12(1), 57-86.

  • Heifetz, R. A., & Laurie, D. L. (1997). The Work of Leadership. Harvard Business Review, 75(1), 124-134.

  • Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.

  • Goleman, D. (2000). Leadership that Gets Results. Harvard Business Review, 78(2), 78–90.