Critical Theory Approach and Leadership Paper Example

Forum 1: Explain what critical theory approach means to you as an organization/business leader.

The article provides a clear definition behind the term 'Critical Theory Approach' which is based on analyzing society as well as critiquing it as a whole with the intentions of understanding how it works (Chandler & Kirsch, 2018). The writer also mentions a little history about the approach indicating some of the developments this approach has made over the years in terms of understanding how the society and economy works. What I like about the approach is the fact that it challenges the way matters are conducted in society. This is because good leaders use this approach to how issues are being handled within their internal and external environment.

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The critical theory approach is one that can be utilized by a leader in the film industry. The film industry is one that demands an understanding of how things come to be. As a leader, the following approach is meant to help enhance human conditions by undertaking moral judgment (Western, 2003). A leader in the film industry should be ready to embrace change. He/she should promote development and improvements in the management of the sector. The theory has also been described as a liberation tool that frees people from issues that prevent progress in society (Schedlizki & Edward, 2014). This kind of mentality provides an excellent environment that helps tackle various issues that often arise in the film industry such as poor management as well as providing a platform for a leader to make the right decisions.

The film industry employs a lot of human resources from the actors, the producer, and the scriptwriters to the directors. At the lower levels, there are more people who work behind the scenes to ensure that everything is correctly handled. Working with that many people can cause challenges for the industry. As such, leaders must examine all underlying factors that may cause these challenges. One way a leader does this is by going that extra mile to understand the social, cultural, and historical problems that have previously faced the industry. According to the forum, the Critical Theory Approach can help managers effectively deal with the matters that affect the individuals working in the industry, the various processes in the organization, or the industry as a whole (Schedlitzki & Edwards, 2014). The approach provides a platform upon which the root cause of the problem can be addressed.

I intend to utilize this approach in the near future when presented with a leadership position in the film industry. The approach can be used to study how the society around me works in order to detect when something is not right. In the past, the film industry, like other industries, has been faced with the challenge of unity and cohesion. Any organization in the film industry needs to work as a single unit for it to survive in the industry. Therefore, as a leader, it is my duty to go that extra step and study my environment and the society around me. By doing so, I can assess behavioural change among my staff members and in case of an issue; the team can always work out a solution with the help of the Critical Theory Approach.

The forum has provided me with the knowledge of how the Critical Theory Approach can be used in an organization to identify and deal with an issue that may hinder development in the film industry. It also provides me with an idea of what is expected of me as a leader in terms of analyzing people's attitudes and behaviour. The approach will also help me identify issues that hinder cohesion and improved performance within the organization. I have come to appreciate the need for historical, cultural and social research as one way of providing solutions to issues that affect any organization. I also plan to use the knowledge I have acquired to create a positive impact in the film industry like delivering a solution to the digital revolution that has flooded the film market.

Forum 2: Explain what Leadership as Process means to you as an organizational/business leader.

The article begins by asking some of the most significant questions every leader should ask themselves. Where are we going? How are we going to get there? What's there for us? (Pearce & Conger, 2002). The reason for asking these questions is for the purpose of setting particular goals, achieving a specific shared vision, or encouraging others towards a particular path. A leader is an individual who offers direction to his or her team. According to the article, a modern leader is a person that is able to gain his team's trust because he/she is a credible leader. Such an individual is described as a leader because he/she knows the answers to the questions posted before his/her. He/she has the ability to inspire a shared vision to the rest of the team members by caring about the others, appealing to shared aspirations, setting a good example, recognizing the contribution made by other team members, as well as learning from his/her mistakes.

These are some of the primary characteristics that make a good leader especially in a sector such as the film industry. The forum focuses on the fact that leadership is a process that begins by setting a shared vision and setting up a platform that would help the team achieve the vision. The film industry is one that demands a lot of imagination, vision, and creativity. As a leader in the film industry, it is essential to take advantage of the opportunities in a manner that inspires trust within the team. The film industry, like other businesses, has its own stress and pressures. The article indicated that a leader should have the capacity to make the right decisions while ensuring that the team members are also empowered. A good leader is also he/she that learns from his/her mistakes and in the event of success, he/she should ensure that he celebrates it with the team members as a way of motivating them.

Leaders should always aspire to ensure that the whole team has a shared vision and goal. Building trust takes time but there various advantages associated with enhanced trust among team members. One of the significant benefits is team unity. Unity with the team is essential especially during difficult moments. Therefore, as a leader in the film industry, it is critical to foster unity and cohesion in the organization.

In the near future, I aspire to work in the film industry. The forum has taught me that being a leader involves providing vision, goals, and motivation to my team members and other employees. It is also essential to identify the root of specific issues and to provide the necessary solutions. In some cases, the decision made might be unpopular among the employees, but if it fosters success, it is important to pursue it. At the same time, it is equally important to communicate the vision a leader has for the company and its employees. This is the only way a leader can encourage trust between him/her and his/her team members.

As a leader, I plan to utilize what I have understood from the forum to help improve performance in the film industry. I will do this by ensuring that I take care of the team and ensuring that I communicate the vision and expectations I have for the organization to each team member. By doing so, the vision is no longer 'my vision' but 'our vision' and therefore, each team member is able to personalize the goals we set as a team.

I now understand that leadership is a process that involves identifying the opportunities that exist in the industry, coming up with goals and clearly communicating these goals to the company. It is also essential to build trust if the team is to work as a single unit with the aim of accomplishing a particular goal. I plan to use this knowledge in my future professional practice where I not only plan on improving the industry but my personality and character as well to fit that of a leader.

References

Chandler, J. L., & Kirsch, R. E. (2018). Critical Leadership Theory: Integrating Transdisciplinary Perspectives. Cham: Springer International Publishing.

Pearce, C. L., & Conger, J. A. (2002). Shared leadership: Reframing the hows and whys of leadership. Sage.

Schedlitzki, D., & Edwards, G. (2014). Studying leadership: Traditional and critical approaches. London: Melbourne: Sage.

Western, S.(2003). Leadership: A critical text. London: Sage.