Positive Social Change, Essay Example

In her review, Schmitt (2015) reviews the curriculum development of Walden, in line with the mission and vision of the institution. She provides an insightful account of the courses focused on positive social change, and highlights the role of KAM modules in educating students about their personal responsibility.

I particularly liked that Schmitt (2015) mentioned transformational leadership traits, as I also believe that they can help future leaders successfully communicate their personal vision and values with their followers. I think that Schmitt (2015) has concluded the role of education and KAMS in creating responsible leaders who could become agents of positive change in just one sentence: “this training module could help participants recognize their personal beliefs and personality traits that would empower them to improve both their personal and professional lives”. Making connection between theories and real life issues, and adjusting change to one’s personal values is indeed one of the main aspects of becoming leaders who initiate change and make a difference in the world.

Ebot (2015) approached the issue of positive social change from the human development perspective, which I found intriguing. The essay had a positive, focused structure, and brought to light some ideas and theories that were new to me. One of the most interesting ideas presented in Ebot’s (2015) discussion was that human development should be viewed as a constant change. Therefore, social issues and problems should not be looked at as static, but dynamic. Further, I liked how the author connected the benefits of personal development with positive change: “this training module could help participants recognize their personal beliefs and personality traits that would empower them to improve both their personal and professional lives” (Ebot, 2015). I believe that the KAM report created by Ebot will be interesting and innovative, as it will focus on the connection between social structures and human development. I believe that the author fully understands the complexity of social change, and the role of different factors in human development.

Tyburczy (2015) talks about her own motivations to take part in the course offered by Walden. There is one important statement made by the author that  – I believe  – all leaders should keep in mind: individuals need to fully understand their values, motivations, strengths, and limitations before they can make sense of the society and create plan for positive change. I believe that many management training courses focus too much on the external factors of leadership, and teach students only how to understand business processes and marketing, without making them learn how to focus on their own traits and motivations.

The KAM topic selected by Tyburczy is interesting, as it focuses on one particular type of challenge: fear-based. I would certainly like to learn more about these challenges, and methods of overcoming them. The impressive background and management-focused approach of  Tyburczy is likely to help NGO leaders creating a framework for introducing, encouraging,  and nurturing social change initiatives, and I believe that today many young and middle-aged people struggle with finding their personal mission, facing vocational difficulties. Through the KAM project, the author will certainly contribute towards positive change among those who are looking for their “calling”, and would like to make a difference for themselves and others.

References

Ebot, E. (2015) Discussion One.

Schmitt, R. (2015) Discussion 1.

Tyburczy, T. (2015) Contributing to Positive Social Change.