CLASSMATE 1

Discussion 7

Topic: Why must a leader be an expert in dealing with politics?

Leaders should be experts because governmental decisions impact individual and organizational agendas. For example, I work in the field of behavioral and mental health. Russel et al. (2016) explained that mental health counselors and social workers are core members of interdisciplinary team. More specifically, along with psychologist, each member of the interdisciplinary team collaborates for the greater good of servicing the client. However, one of the political culture issues behavioral healthcare professionals face, in many states, is the act of being selected second to social workers. Many clinicians and therapists can attest to countlessly having to advocate for their profession. Mental health counseling and social work share some similarities, but there are many differences as well. Mental health counselors are theoretically and clinically trained to assist individuals with mental health concerns. Social workers can counsel clients, but they’re more rooted in case management services. Those services are, predominantly, deal with the client’s current concerns. Whereas, mental health counselors help clients explore previous experiences and instances that may contribute to current concerns. Therefore, social workers are chosen because their services are not as time consuming as mental health counselors. This act is not in the best interest of the client, because many mental health concerns are not a quick fix. This pressing issue is a burden as mental illness is not receiving the appropriate acknowledgment, policy attention, or funding as it should (Tomlinson & Lund, 2012).

The aforementioned holds true to my state. Of course, many of my clients can benefit from the services that are provided by social workers. However, in my state, they address the “here and now”. The unfortunate thing is that the client’s present concerns stems from past experiences. Therefore, more time is needed to address those concerns. In the eyes of most governmental officials, more time means more money. As a result, many individuals who cannot afford the treatment they need are forced to receive whatever government officials deem necessary. Hence, the reason leaders should be knowledgeable in the area of politics. Governmental decisions can impact their organization. 

Russell, H. F., Richardson, E. J., Bombardier, C. H., Dixon, T. M., Huston, T. A., Rose, J., Ullrich, P. M. (2016). Professional standards of practice for psychologists, social workers, and counselors in SCI rehabilitation. The journal of spinal cord medicine, 39(2), 127–145. doi:10.1080/10790268.2015.1119966

Tomlinson M., & Lund, C. (2012). Why Does Mental Health Not Get the Attention It Deserves? An Application of the Shiffman and Smith Framework. PLoS Med 9(2): e1001178. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001178

CLASSMATE 2 

Having a leadership role is a major responsibility. Leaders want to ensure that they are well capable of being versatile. Having the ability to be flexible and balanced can assist leaders with being able to function and lead in any situation. It is vital for employees to feel secure in their leadership. One of the character traits needed to lead is critical thinking. Critical thinking skills can assist leaders in being able to make effective decisions. The ability to make effective decisions is imperative as conflict may arise within the organization. Leaders want to ensure that when making decisions within the organization, they are not just basing it on their personal agenda, but rather basing it on the benefit of the organization. It is imperative for leaders to avoid letting their political views or politics get in the way of effective leadership.

Brierton (2016) defined politics as the use of power to influence decision-making by implementing policies and laws in order to control resources. I believe it is important for leaders to be an expert in politics so he or she can know the ends and outs of politics. However, I do feel that just because you know politics does not mean you have to engage in that behavior. Being an expert of politics in leadership also grants the leader power to influence others. Leaders want to ensure that they are able to lead others and influence them, however, in the right direction. Knowing how to make moves as a leader would be an important factor. As I previously mentioned in the above paragraph, making decisions that would benefit the organization. This would include implementing policies and procedures that align with the organization’s vision and mission, for the benefit of the organization. It is important for leaders to be well rounded, dependable, an innovator, and an effective decision-maker. Operating out of a spirit of political power can be a downfall within an organization, depending on the situation, and how it was resolved.

Bolman, L.G. & Deal, T.E. (2017). Reframing Organizations, (6th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. 

Brierton, J. T. (2016). Ethics and politics in school leadership : finding common ground. Rowman & Littlefield.

Unit VIII Assessment

1. By what means can collective bargaining agreements be enforced? Discuss the five principles that govern the arbitration of grievances under collective bargaining. What measures are utilized in non-union environments? Your response should be at least 300 words in length.

2. How does an arbitrator determine that a company had just cause for taking a disciplinary action? What remedy might an arbitrator choose if a company did not have just cause? Will the process be different if the organization does not have union representation? If so how? Your response should be at least 300 words in length.

This week’s assignment contains an imaginary scenario in which you will demonstrate your knowledge of the concepts presented in this course.

Scenario:

Your friend, an 8th-grade earth science teacher at the local middle school, is organizing an Earth Day celebration for his students and their families. He knows you have recently been learning about environmental policies in this environmental science class and has asked you to be one of several guest speakers at the event. He would like you to explain to the students how scientific research and public awareness of an environmental issue led to an environmental policy or law. The goal is for the 8th-grade students to understand how people and communities (scientific community, government bodies, citizens of a country, etc.) can effect positive change for the environment.

Use the policy and issue you selected for your Wk 5 Discussion – Environmental Policies in Action.

Prepare a 3-to 4-minute video and/or audio recording, or a 1,050- to 1,750-word transcript of your presentation.

Address the following in your presentation:

• Summarize the environmental issue. What are its causes? What are the effects on the environment and people? Consider multiple perspectives and locations, as applicable.
• Explain how economics and/or personal lifestyle choices or behaviors are related to this issue.
• Describe how individuals, communities, and/or governments have worked to address the issue.
• Examine the impact of relevant legislation or initiatives. What are the benefits? Have there been any consequences?

Note: Remember your audience; the presentation needs to make sense and appeal to 13- and 14-year-old students.

Include at least 2 outside resources to support your conclusions.

 

Prepare an essay response at least one page in length that answers the following questions:

• What is the European Union’s Social Charter?
• Why is it important for U.S. firms dealing with European unions to be aware of this?

AND

Prepare an essay response of at least one page in length that addresses the following items:

• What factors distinguish the labor relations system in the public sector from that in the private sector?
• Propose a public-sector labor relations system for the employees of the city government.
  • What would it borrow from the private sector?
  • What would it not be able to borrow? Why?
  • How would you modify your system to account for specific aspects of city government? Why?

References should be Five years old of less. 

please see attachment