ACADEMIC WRITING BOOT CAMP

UTS: HELPS / FEBRUARY 2019

Higher Education Language & Presentation Support (HELPS)

University of Technology, Sydney Building 1, Level 5, Room 25 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007 PO box 123 Broadway 2007 NSW Australia +61 2 9514 9733 helps@uts.edu.au www.helps.uts.edu.au

1

Assignment Writing Process

15-min drop-in consultations WriteNow! Assignment review session (40min face-to-face or online)

2

Writing Practice

This is a writing boot camp, which means you will be expected to engage in the entire assignment writing process and produce a piece of writing by the conclusion of the program.

In response to the essay question below, produce an essay of up to 1000 words over these three days. Some background readings and academic references have been provided to get you started. You are expected to use the UTS Library databases or Google Scholar to look for at least one more reference.

Essay Question

Social media is a widely used tool to develop an online presence, personal branding and professional networks. However, if used improperly, it has the potential to be career-damaging. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Sources

Aula, P. 2010, ‘Social media, reputation risk and ambient publicity management’, Strategy & Leadership, vol. 38, no. 6, pp. 43-9. (To access this article: https://www-emeraldinsight-com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/10878571011088069)

Bolton, R.N., Parasuraman, A., Hoefnagels, A., Migchels, N., Kabadayi, S., Gruber, T., Loureiro, Y.K. & Solnet, D. 2013, ‘Understanding Generation Y and their use of social media: a review and research agenda’, Journal of Service Management, vol. 24, no. 3, pp. 245-67. (To access this article: https://www-emeraldinsight-com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/09564231311326987)

Jobvite 2014, Social recruiting survey 2014, viewed 28 November 2018, <https://www.jobvite.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Jobvite_SocialRecruiting_Survey2014.pdf>.

O’Donnell, J.T. 2018, ‘3 new ways social media is going to impact your career in the near future’, Inc., 12 April, viewed 28 November 2018, <https://www.inc.com/jt-odonnell/3-ways-social-media-is-going-to-impact-your-career-in-near-future.html>.

Ripton, J.T. n.d., 7 social media mistakes that could damage your career, CareerCast, viewed 28 November 2018, <https://www.careercast.com/career-news/7-social-media-mistakes-could-damage-your-career>.

Note: The reading list above does not follow standard Harvard-UTS referencing format.

Annotated Sample Essay

Organisational Management in Health Care

Question: Discuss whether there are benefits to formalisation for an organisation and its managers.

Formalisation is an integral part of modern bureaucratic organisational structure. Organisations are required to adhere to formal practices and rules in order to ensure smooth functioning. The absence of rules and regulations may lead to chaos and anarchy in an organisation and behavioural uncertainty within employees. Formalisation serves to determine the trajectory of an organisation. This essay will discuss the merits of formalisation with regard to an organisation and its managers in a healthcare context and cite the demerits of the overuse of formalisation.

challenges encountered by modern, formalised organisations and suggest possible solutions to overcome them

There has been much academic dialogue with regard to defining the concept of formalisation. The literature on formalisation began with Max Weber’s concept of the bureaucratic form of organisation in the early part of the twentieth century (Miller 2008). An organisation is a unit with defined boundaries which functions continuously to achieve common goals of a consciously managed group of people. The majority of organisations expect employees to perform their tasks by abiding to certain rules and regulations. Formalisation is the extent to which such tasks and procedures are standardised in an organisation. The selection criteria for jobs, written rules and policies, training, orientation programs and rituals are some of the various formalisation techniques employed by an organisation. The degree of formalisation varies broadly amongst different organisations and also at different levels within the same organisation (Robbins & Barnwell 2006). Hospitals and healthcare centres are also types of organisations which function similarly and are normally formalised with regards to role requirements, duty timings and procedures.

Organisations use formalisation to standardise employees’ behaviour and even predict their behaviour in non-routine situations. The repetition of the same tasks regularly results in consistent and uniform outputs. It also yields economic benefits to employers as highly formalised jobs require lesser skills and, therefore, lesser pay. Formalisation is also useful in managing contingencies and risks. For instance, managers are restricted in working to fixed budgets, banks have stringent rules for lending funds and pilots follow strict procedures. Such practices minimise the risk of major loss that can occur from the actions of a single person (Robbins & Barnwell 2006). In general, it is anticipated that formalising helps in standardising and controlling processes to obtain predictable outcomes (Noon et al. 2013). It has also been proven by empirical studies that organisational formalisation can have a positive impact on team empowerment by reducing uncertainty within the firm and providing goal clarity and guidance. It even prevents managers from taking arbitrary and inconsistent decisions (Hempel, Zhang & Han 2012). One of the studies carried out by Bunderson and Boumgarden (2010) also suggests that self-managed teams, which are formally structured, promote better learning because in a safe and predictable environment knowledge is freely shared and conflicts are fewer. Thus, formalisation has positive implications at various levels in an organisation.

Contrastingly, it has been argued that if overused it can have detrimental effects on the organisation and its managers. Noon et al. (2013) contend that there is an optimum limit to which formalisation can be applied beyond which its basic use is undermined. Hyperformalisation may force managers to act like robots whose only intention is to comply with defined protocols and accomplish tasks. Some managers might adhere to rules in the fear of making errors and some may manipulate their decisions under the shield of formal procedures. A plethora of rules to follow commonly referred to as red tape, which may seem futile and burdensome to managers, can result in workplace alienation and in turn reduce organisation commitment and job satisfaction. It renders powerlessness to them by hampering their freedom to decision making (Dehart-Davis & Pandey 2005). Excessive formalisation of a manager’s tasks decreases their efforts to pursue different goals and does not give them the opportunities to broaden their skills, thereby negatively affecting their versatility (Mom, van den Bosch & Volberda 2009). Hence, formalisation should be used discreetly and one should not allow it to overpower the basic aim of the organisation. It should be used in such a way that it promotes and accommodates other elements required for organisational growth.

The traditional concept of viewing formalisation as basically restrictive needs rectification - instead formalisation can coexist with other components of an organisation to produce superior outcomes. Formalisation and decentralisation

Commented [DS1]: Watch a video on how to analyse an assignment question at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKm0qCeoZgE For a list of common key words used in assignment questions,view the table at: https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/article/downloads/Task%20Words%20Factsheet.pdf

Commented [A2]: The introductory paragraph is clearly linked to the assignment question which requires the student (the writer) to discuss the benefits of formalisation for an organisation and its managers. Watch a video on writing introductions at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBBgfRao3ws For tips on writing an introduction, go to:https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self-help- resources/academic-writing/essay-writing

Commented [A3]: This is the thesis statement that clearly expresses the purpose of the writing and the position of the writer.

Commented [A4]: This sentence functions to outline or preview the content of the essay in order to prepare the reader for what is to follow.

Commented [A5]: Reference to definition of concepts/terminology is important in academic or specialised writing in order to narrow the scope of the topic. However, it is also important to ensure that the writing is understandable by a general educated reader.

Commented [DS6]: Notice the use of formal language (both in terms of vocabulary choice and sentence structure) here and throughout the essay. For tips on distinguishing between formal and informal language, go to: https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self- help-resources/grammar/formal-and-informal-language

Commented [A7]: Explicit topic sentence conveys the theme of this particular body paragraph (often placed at the beginning of the paragraph). The paragraph continues to elaborate on that topic or theme providing evidence from academic sources of literature. Watch a video for tips on how to write a well-developed bodyparagraph: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA-joXQKyXE

Commented [A8]: It is important to use scholarly literature (evidence) to support the argument. Paraphrasing is an effective way to integrate the ideas of others by rephrasing the original in your own words and avoid plagiarism when borrowing from a source. It is a restatement of the ideas in the original source and includes the same information/details, but is written in the student's own words. Watch a video for tips on paraphrasing at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6CUB64_nUY For help on synthesising ideas and how to paraphrase, go to:https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self-help- resources/academic-writing/paraphrasing

Commented [A9]: Concluding statement summarises the main point in the paragraph which the writer wishes to emphasise and this links back to the essay question/topic.

Commented [A10]: A counter-argument is provided here which helps to strengthen the writer’s main claim or assertion.

Commented [DS11]: Citations refer to the original source when someone else’s ideas or concepts have been used. Reporting verbs help to present and reflect the student’s (writer’s) attitude to the 'sourced information'. For a list of reporting verbs and advice on how best to use them, go to: https://www.uts.edu.au/current- ...

Commented [A12]: These supporting sentences elaborate on the topic to develop the argument and demonstrate the writer is exercising critical thinking skills. Watch a video on critical thinking skills at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=-xh9qKXbL.T.I.

Commented [A13]: The writer is presenting a strong argument/claim here that is substantiated by evidence.

Commented [A14]: Key words link back to the outline in the introductory paragraph and the assignment question. Refer to Comment [A3].

The following are general comments about the structure and content of an academic essay written for university – they are not prescriptive and

In addition, it will outline the .

3

ns to overcome them

For instance, under decentralisation, nurses

seemingly appear to contradict each other with the former limiting the autonomy and discretion of employees and the latter working in reverse. However, complex institutions with multiple hierarchical structures require the implementation of both these techniques simultaneously in order to obtain improved results. should be allowed to make impromptu decisions in emergency situations when the treating physician is unavailable instead of adhering unquestioningly to set standards. Yet, on a daily basis under formalisation, they should perform their scheduled tasks including timely medications and temperature measurements to ensure safety and quality in the hospital (Meirovich, Brender-Ilan & Meirovich 2007). It should also be noted that while decentralisation empowers lower level organisational staff to make decisions, formalisation sets boundaries and guides them to make consistent decisions (Hempel, Zhang & Han 2012).

The rigidity of formalisation is also believed to limit knowledge integration and innovation. Nevertheless, process formalisation is proven to foster innovation performance by providing structure and rules for innovation (Labitzke, Svoboda & Schultz 2014). Further, organisational routines that encourage regular interaction by employees are believed to enhance knowledge integration by providing a platform for shared ideas (Patnayakuni, Rupell & Rai 2007). Another study also proved that formalisation and flexibility, which may seem mutually exclusive, can actually complement each other. It is suggested that formal rules can be used as a tool kit of options and the decision to apply them according to circumstances should be vested with managers (Mattes 2014). This shows that properly designed procedures can foster organisational growth.

Various studies explain the importance of using formalisation with other beneficial strategies. It is imperative to generate organisational ambidexterity by coherently using formalisation together with other organisational components. Furthermore, it is important to consider that the effectiveness of formalisation depends on the extent to which set rules are followed and not on how well they are defined. Overuse of formal procedures can undermine their basic utility and hinder the progress of an organisation. Hence, it is vital to be clear about the optimal level of formalisation for an organisation and leverage this to achieve desired outcomes. Hence, formalisation can steer the progress of an organisation if used carefully and prudently.

Reference List:

Bunderson, J.S. & Boumgarden, P. 2010, 'Structure and learning in self-managed teams: why “bureaucratic” teams can be better learners', Organization Science, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 609-24.

Dehart-Davis, L. & Pandey, S.K. 2005, 'Red tape and public employees: does perceived rule dysfunction alienate managers?', Journal of Public Administration Research & Theory, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 133.

Hempel, P.S., Zhang, Z.-X. & Han, Y. 2012, 'Team empowerment and the organizational context: decentralization and the contrasting effects of formalization', Journal of Management, vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 475-501.

Labitzke, G., Svoboda, S. & Schultz, C. 2014, 'The role of dedicated innovation functions for innovation process control and performance – an empirical study among hospitals', Creativity and Innovation Management, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 235-51.

Mattes, J. 2014, 'Formalisation and flexibilisation in organisations – dynamic and selective approaches in corporate innovation processes', European Management Journal, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 475-86.

Meirovich, G., Brender-Ilan, Y. & Meirovich, A. 2007, 'Quality of hospital service: the impact of formalization and decentralization', International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 240-52.

Miller, C.Z. 2008, Formalization and innovation: an ethnographic study of process formalization, ProQuest, USA.

Mom, T.J.M., van den Bosch, F.A.J. & Volberda, H.W. 2009, 'Understanding variation in managers' ambidexterity: investigating direct and interaction effects of formal structural and personal coordination mechanisms', Organization Science, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 812-28.

Noon, M., Healy, G., Forson, C. & Oikelome, F. 2013, 'The equality effects of the “hyper-formalization” of selection', British Journal of Management, vol. 24, no. 3, pp. 333-46.

Patnayakuni, R., Ruppel, C.P. & Rai, A. 2007, ‘Managing the complementarity of knowledge integration and process formalization for systems development performance’, Journal of the Association for Information Systems, vol. 7, no. 8, pp. 545-67.

Robbins, S. & Barnwell, N. 2006, Organisation theory: concepts and cases, Pearson Education Australia, Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.

Commented [DS18]: The conclusion effectively and succinctly summarises the key points of the essay (and does NOT introduce any new information/evidence at this stage). Positive and negative aspects relating to the subject matter are reiterated here. This helps to link back to the main issue of formalisation in healthcare settings and renders a more ‘balanced’ discussion in the essay. This section may suggest recommendations, or indicate the significance or implications that follow from the conclusion.

Watch the video on how to write a conclusion here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uOmIaGQUg0

After you have finished your draft, use the Writing & Editing Checklist at this link: https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/article/downloads/editin g_checklist.pdf

Commented [A19]: All citation details are presented here and must be linked to in-text references provided in the body of the essay. There is evidence of extensive reading here from both domestic and international current literature. It is academically reliable, peer-reviewed and from authoritative sources.

The reference list conforms to Harvard-UTS Referencing conventions. For a guide to this style of referencing, go to: http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/attachments/page/Int eractiveHarvardUTSGuide.pdf

Always check with your course/subject co-ordinator, lecturer or tutor exactly which referencing system you should use. Many assessments specify that the reference list should appear on a separate page. Also check whether your reference list should/should not be included when submitting work electronically through Turnitin®. For tips and advice on how to avoid plagiarism, go to: https://avoidingplagiarism.uts.edu.au/

Commented [A16]: Notice the formal, academic style and tone which is reflected throughout this essay. Important points are made in an objective way.

For a guide to the difference between formal and informal language, go to: http://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self-help- resources/grammar/formal-and-informal-language

Commented [A17]: Note the effective use of transition signals. These are linking words that connect ideas and add cohesion making it easier for the reader to understand the relationship between ideas.

Download a list of transitions signals here: https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/article/downloads/Trans ition%20Signals%20Factsheet_0.pdf

For more information on linking words (sometimes called transition signals), go to: http://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self-help- resources/grammar/transition-signals

Commented [A15]: The writer’s voice uses hedging language such as “appear”. This is characteristic of academic writing and conveys the writer’s opinion or attitude in a cautious way (modality).

NOTE: This entire paper has been submitted to Turnitin and other anti-plagiarism

software. Under no circumstances copy from this or any other paper.

4

5

Social media is a widely used tool to develop an online presence, personal branding and professional networks. However, if used improperly, it has the potential to be career-damaging. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Introduction (background information + essay purpose/thesis + essay outline)

Body paragraphs (topic sentence + supporting sentences + concluding sentence)

6

7

8

Conclusion (restate purpose/thesis + summarise arguments + implications/final thoughts)

9

Reference list