Management Question

Purpose

This assignment simulates a consulting brief to a senior leader. You will analyze a real organizational

behavior problem using research-based theory and provide clear, actionable recommendations

grounded in evidence. This is not a literature review—it is an evidence-based managerial analysis.

Format

Title page (not included in page count)

Outline (not included in page count)

No abstract, executive summary, or table of contents

Minimum 3 pages, single-spaced (quality over length) 11point Arial, 1-inch margins all

Professional tone and formatting

Appendix and references do not count toward page minimum

Required Structure

Define the managerial dilemma and strategic context.

Synthesize research (minimum 6 peer-reviewed scholarly sources).

Provide specific, evidence-based recommendations.

Discuss risks, trade-offs, and unintended consequences.

Conclude with clear, decisive advice to leadership.

Sources

A minimum of 6 peer-reviewed academic sources is required. Practitioner sources may supplement but

may not replace scholarly research. Use a consistent citation style.

Evaluation Emphasis: Depth of synthesis, specificity of recommendations, awareness of trade-offs,

and executive-level judgment.

• • Title Page Your name, Student ID and date of submission
  • Page1 introduces the topic i.e. What is your thesis, questions you want to answer?
  • Page 1-4 Explanation of Theory, Frameworks, and/or research What did you learn?
  • Page 5 Implications for Organizations and What useful information did you glean from the research that will guide your policies, practices, or decisions in the future related to this topic.
  • Bibliography (use citations or footnotes in the body of the text and make sure every citation is represented in this list of sources.
  • Appendix all tables, figures, and graphs in a legible format and display in portrait or landscape whichever makes it easier to read. Label each Figure, graph or table with a unique number and in order of their appearance in the text. Use a place marker e.g. “Table 1 about here” in the text to indicate where each would go if embedded in the text.
• Follow the rules of any major style format (i.e. APA, MLS, and Chicago Manual of Style (CMS).
• If you use Chat GPT or other AI supports reference them in your Bibliography and flag which sections of the text were derived from them.

This is what I was thinking, but open to ideas.

1. Page 1: Introduction & Thesis (The paper is on work-life balance)

• Topic: The erosion of Intrinsic Job Satisfaction in high-velocity, "always-on" organizational cultures.
• Thesis Statement: In organizations like utilities (gas, or light), the institutionalization of the "Availability Trap" systematically dismantles the psychological autonomy required for intrinsic satisfaction, shifting leadership commitment from affective to continuance and triggering proactive talent departure

Pages 1-4: Explanation of Theory & Research (Rubric 1.2.2 - 3 pts)

• *Note: This is where you synthesize your 5 scholarly sources

• Concept 1: Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Explain the three needs: Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness. Focus on how the "always-on" culture kills Autonomy.
• Concept 2: The Recovery Paradox. Use Sonnentag (2012) to explain why "mentally disengaging" is required for the high-level cognitive performance Amazon expects.
• Concept 3: Outcomes (Motivation, Performance, Turnover). Link intrinsic satisfaction to Occupational Attachment. Explain that when work is a "bargain with the devil," turnover is inevitable