“Every truth has two sides. It is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either”
— Aesop
“In seeking truth, you have to get both sides of the story”
— Walter Cronkite
“Bart: Dad! Lisa’s making me see things from both sides again!
Homer: Lisa, I warned you about that!
Lisa: Shouldn’t Bart have all the information he needs to make an informed decision?
Homer: Now you’re doing it to me, aww…”
— The Simpsons
Every manager must realize that there are legitimate concerns on both sides of any given issue. Too many of us have been conditioned to make a decision or proclaim a political affiliation prior to understanding the various perspectives on an issue, which debilitates our ability to reason. We tend to automatically believe what our side tells us, and discount what the other side tells us. We often read opposing viewpoints, but rather than truly understanding those viewpoints to see if they have merit, we criticize them. This project is designed to help us overcome this method (or lack) of analysis, and to build your skills in thoughtful and analytical debate and discourse.
Objectives of the Debates:
1. To conduct research and gain insight on a controversial HR issue.
2. To apply relevant HR concepts in the discussion of policy and practical implications of the issues.
3. To practice good communication, critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.
4. To have fun by engaging in a spirited yet professional live interchange.
General Procedures:
· Individual students will indicate their interest in a debate topic.
· Individuals will then be assigned to a team, which will debate one side of a topic (either “pro” or “con”).
· Each team will write a 10-page research paper, which argues both sides of the issue.
· All team members will receive the same grade for their team’s paper.
· The presentation (live debate) portion of your group project grade will be comprised of class and professor evaluations.
Research Instructions:
· As this is a research project, you must support your positions and arguments with appropriate facts, evidence, and statistics. You can include survey results, organizational examples, case examples, and other supporting materials.
· To find this information, you must research the topic. Requirements and suggestions for the sources of your information include:
· Use at least 6 (six) scholarly / academic journal sources (e.g. Academy of Management Perspectives, Harvard Business Review, Training and Development, Journal of Applied Psychology, Personnel Psychology, Journal of Management, Human Resource Management, MIT Sloan Quarterly Review, Administrative Science Quarterly, Organizational Dynamics, Academy of Management Journal, Human Resource Management). The bulk of your evidence should come from these sources, as they are peer-reviewed and thus are likely to be more accurate and reliable than other sources.
· Use at least 4 (four) other practitioner or popular press sources (e.g., non-peer-reviewed business or HR magazines or newspapers, such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, NY Times, LA Times, Business Week, HR Magazine, Forbes, Fast Company, Fortune)
· WEBSITES SHOULD BE USED SPARINGLY. This is because there is little or no oversight of the accuracy of what is on most websites. Overreliance on websites in your paper will negatively impact your grade.
· Textbooks do not count towards your required count of sources, because they are not primary sources of information.
· If you cite a source in your bibliography, it should be meaningfully used in the paper.
· All references must be cited properly and fully. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism. You can check the plagiarism report yourself upon uploading the paper on BB. If you need to make changes, you can upload another version (I will grade the latest version posted).
Writing Suggestions:
· Have one person be responsible for giving the entire paper a “final read” before submitting.
· Footnotes and endnotes should not be used.
· Double space everything in the paper (e.g., no additional spaces between heading and text).
· Use indented paragraphs, with no additional spacing between paragraphs or between subheadings and paragraphs.
· Stay away from bulleted or numbered lists. Write in clear prose.
· “i.e.,” means “in other words,” and “e.g.,” means “for example”.
· Read all instructions carefully, and structure your paper with the instructions and evaluation criteria in mind (that is, remember who is grading and make is easy for her to grade!)
Paper Format Instructions:
· The paper should be no more than 10 double-spaced pages, not including the bibliography, tables, figures, and/or a cover page.
· Number your pages.
· Use one-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman font.
· The file format should be a Microsoft Word Document (no PDFs).
· Each section (e.g., Pro. Con) should not arrive at absolute conclusions or final recommendations. Save this for your Conclusion.
· Direct quotes from references should be used sparingly, such that most of the writing in the paper is yours! In other words, within the paper, keep direct quotations to a minimum (no more than a few). When quoting directly (“ ”), include the page number of the quote from the source (e.g., Smith, 2009, p. 360). Remember, when you rephrase in your own words, you still need to include a citation (e.g., Smith, 2009) (see the professor if this is not clear).
The paper structure should have five sections, with headings that are labeled, bolded, and centered, as follows:
INTRODUCTION
(approx. 2 pages)
· Define what the issue is (particularly if there is any ambiguity)
· Describe why the issue is important (or “why we care”), especially to EMPLOYERS and WORKERS
· Give a brief summary of the origin and history of the issue (e.g., when this issue was first discussed, what laws might impact the current situation – e.g., “Relevant laws were first passed under…”)
PRO ARGUMENTS
(approx. 3 pages)
· Present three to four pro arguments with supporting evidence.
· Your arguments should be backed with sound reasoning and evidence from academic (e.g., Journal of Applied Psychology), practitioner (e.g., HR Magazine), and popular (e.g., Business Week) references.
· Be clear in explaining how the supporting evidence fits with the particular argument.
· Similar to the individual article reports, these arguments should demonstrate your analysis of the issue.
· Discuss the costs and benefits of different perspectives.
CON ARGUMENTS
(approx. 3 pages)
· Same as the Pro section (above).
· Present three to four con arguments with supporting evidence.
CONCLUSION
(approx. 2 pages)
· Based on your research and the arguments you have provided in previous sections, draw conclusions about your collective position on the issue.
· What are the effects of your conclusions on EMPLOYERS and WORKERS?
· Demonstrate your analysis of the issue.
· Do not introduce new arguments that should have been in earlier sections.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(length varies; pages are NOT included in the 10 page limit)
· Cite all references in the body of the paper (author, date), and list full citations at the end of the paper in this section.
· Format should be consistent. You can use APA or other guidelines.
· All non-original ideas, as well as direct quotes, must be cited.
· Include all appropriate information (e.g., volume and page numbers)
· List references alphabetically by last name of author; if no author, use the title of publication or anonymous.
· Do NOT include the “doi” or library website link in your bibliography. That is, there should only be a website in the bibliography if the source is the website itself.
Live Debate Instructions:
Pro opening statement: 3 minutes
Con opening statement: 3 minutes
Con side question #1: 30 seconds
Pro side discussion and response: 2 minutes
Con side rebuttal: 1 minute
Pro side rebuttal: 1 minute
Pro side question #1: 30 seconds
Con side discussion and response: 2 minutes
Pro side rebuttal: 1 minute
Con side rebuttal: 1 minute
Con side question #2: 30 seconds
Pro side discussion and response: 2 minutes
Con side rebuttal: 1 minute
Pro side rebuttal: 1 minute
Pro side question #2: 30 seconds
Con side discussion and response: 2 minutes
Pro side rebuttal: 1 minute
Con side rebuttal: 1 minute
Team caucus: 3 minutes
Con side question #3: 30 seconds
Pro side discussion and response: 2 minutes
Con side rebuttal: 1 minute
Pro side rebuttal: 1 minute
Pro side question #3: 30 seconds
Con side discussion and response: 2 minutes
Pro side rebuttal: 1 minute
Con side rebuttal: 1 minute
Pro closing statement: 2 minutes
Con closing statement: 2 minutes
“Audience” cross-examination and feedback: 6 minutes
Total time per debate: Approx. 45 minutes
A timekeeper will give 30-second warnings and will be responsible for stopping each stage of the debate.
Pro and closing statements should be given extemporaneously (i.e., NOT read). The first presentation of each side (the opening statement) should be used to build your case. This might include presenting an overview of the major arguments to be used by your side in either upholding or challenging the propositions presented. It may be helpful to capture the audience’s attention here!
Each team should be prepared with a set of FOUR questions (decide upon the last one depending on the debate flow). It would be wise to not ask questions that you can’t successfully rebut.
The caucus time should be spent: (1) Rebuilding arguments as needed during the rebuttal. (2) Selecting the final question (3) Constructing rebuttals that punch holes into the arguments the other team has made. (4) Identifying any critical arguments or points that have not yet been made.
The closing statement should summarize the arguments and facts put forward by your side.
All team members should participate during the debate. You are encouraged to use virtually any form of graphics to support your position, e.g., power point slides, charts, videos, etc.
Immediately after the debates, the “audience” will evaluate both sides using the attached form. The class evaluations will be included in your grade for the debate.
If you would like individual feedback on your presentation skills, please let me know in person immediately before your debate. I will share individual feedback directly with you afterwards, either in person or by email.
Grading Criteria for Team Project:
· All team members receive the same grade on the debate and the paper.
· See the below Debate Paper and Live Debate evaluation forms for how the paper and live debate will be evaluated. Keep the criteria in mind when researching and writing your paper and for the debate.
· The class and the professor will evaluate the debate. Only the professor will evaluate the paper.
· Number of points towards your total grade is specified on the syllabus.
HRM 652 Debate Paper Evaluation
(Professor Sumpter will use this for grading the team papers)
Introduction _______/10 points
· Is the issue defined?
· Is the importance of the issue explained?
· Is the history summarized?
Pro Arguments _______/30 points
· Are the arguments clearly articulated?
· Are the major points supported with relevant and credible evidence?
· Are the arguments consistent with the facts presented?
· Are there a variety of credible sources to justify the arguments?
· Is critical thinking evident in the logic used in the arguments?
Con Arguments _______/30 points
· Are the arguments clearly articulated?
· Are the major points supported with relevant and credible evidence?
· Are the arguments consistent with the facts presented?
· Are there a variety of credible sources to justify the arguments?
· Is critical thinking evident in the logic used in the arguments?
Conclusion _______/10 points
· Is the conclusion consistent with the evidence presented in the arguments?
Citations and organization _______/10 points
· Are all non-original facts, ideas, and opinions properly cited in the body of the paper?
· Are all citations included in the paper documented fully in the bibliography?
· Are there a variety of sources cited (i.e., no excessive reliance on one or two sources)?
· Are the sources relevant and current?
· Are ideas and concepts expressed clearly?
· Is there good flow? In other words, is the paper organized logically and in a format that is easy to follow?
· Are the instructions followed throughout?
Grammar and Spelling, and Professional Look ______/10 points
· Is there proper grammar and spelling (typos, spelling errors)?
· Is the writing business appropriate?
· Does the paper have a professional appearance?
______/100 points
The questions under each heading are provided as examples of the bases on which each aspect of the paper will be evaluated. Other relevant items not included on this list may be considered. This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list.
Live Debate Evaluation Form – HRM 652
Issue:____________________________ Your Name:_______________________
Use the following scale to write in a rating on each item below for each team:
1= Strongly Disagree; 2 = Disagree; 3 = Neutral; 4 = Agree; 5 = Strongly Agree
PRO
CON
1a. The opening statement identified clearly the team’s position on the issue and previewed the major points.
1b. The opening statement was delivered clearly and concisely
2a. Question #1 was relevant and contributed to moving the debate forward. Include effectiveness of rebuttal
2b. Response #1 (and rebuttal) answered the question asked using convincing arguments and relevant supporting evidence.
3a. Question #2 was relevant and contributed to moving the debate forward. Include effectiveness of rebuttal
3b. Response #2 (and rebuttal) answered the question asked using convincing arguments and relevant supporting evidence.
4a. Question #3 was relevant and contributed to moving the debate forward. Include effectiveness of rebuttal
4b. Response #3 (and rebuttal) answered the question asked using convincing arguments and relevant supporting evidence.
5a. The closing statement summarized the team’s arguments and reached a logical conclusion.
5b. The closing statement was delivered clearly and concisely
6. The overall analysis of the issue was reasonable, clear, and complete.
7. Each speech was organized clearly and cogently so that you could follow the structure of the argument.
8. Overall presentation was presented professionally and effectively. (Consider voice, eye contact, and tone)
10. The team worked as a cohesive group (e.g., helped to answer questions, supported each other).
OVERALL RATING: (sum up the points in each column)
Before hearing the debate, my position on this issue was (circle one) Pro Con
In my opinion, the more persuasive argument was made by the ________________ team.
Comments for the Pro team:
Comments for the Con team:
Debate Projects – FAQ Sheet
Q: How do I cite a source cited within the paper?
A: Use (author, date) format.
Q: Can I cite our textbook?
A: It is generally advisable to NOT cite textbooks, as they are not primary sources of information. They report out other information sources. Instead, you can use reference lists within textbooks to find relevant original sources to cite.
Q: Where do I put tables?
A: Put tables and figures at the end of the paper – not in the body.
Q: Do I cite every sentence that comes from another source?
A: If you are citing from a single source in a paragraph, just cite once in the paragraph. However, don’t summarize one author’s ideas and then move to another author’s ideas. Integrate information across sources and around your subheadings. This means you will often have more than one citation per paragraph. If I see long sections with the same author cited for each paragraph, I’ll know you didn’t integrate properly.
Q: What about direct quotations?
A. Keep direct quotations to a minimum (3 at most). Include page numbers for direct quotes and put direct quotes in quotation marks. Do not use long direct quotes.
Example of citations in body:
Asian Americans, one of the fastest growing groups in the United States, are better educated and earn higher salaries than their White counterparts (Bell, 2007; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006; White, 2009). In fact, their achievements have led to the characterization of Asian Americans as the “Model Minority” (Hurh & Kim, 1989; Ho & Jackson, 2001). However, data continue to support the lack of Asian Americans in higher status leadership positions. More recently, a study of board membership in Fortune 500 companies found that Asian Americans represented less than 1% of all corporate board members (Schultz & Cho, 2005). Even in professions with higher numbers of Asian Americans than other minority employees, African Americans and Hispanics have a higher ratio of managers to employees than Asian Americans (U.S. General Accounting Office, 1989: Zane & Song, 2007). Given the increasing importance of Asia as a global partner, organizations would benefit from the leadership of people who understand Asian markets and cultures.
A Sample of Sources by Type (bolded = recommended)
Selected Research-Oriented (Peer-Reviewed) Journals:
Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Administrative Science Quarterly, Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal, Group and Organization Management, Human Relations, Human Resource Management, Human Resource Management Review , Industrial & Labor Relations, Industrial Relations Law Journal, Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, Journal of Applied Psychology , Journal of Business and Psychology, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Compensation & Benefits, Journal of Labor Economics, Journal of Management , Journal of Managerial Psychology, Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, Journal of Organizational Behavior , Journal of Organizational Change Management, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Journal of Social Issues, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Vocational Behavior, Management Science, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Personnel Psychology , Psychological Bulletin, Social Forces, Work and Occupations.
Selected Professional/Managerial Journals:
Academy of Management Perspectives , Arbitration Journal, Benefits and Compensation Solutions, Business Horizons, Business Quarterly, Business Week, California Management Review, Compensation and Benefits Management, Compensation and Benefits Review, Economist, Employee Relations, Employee Relations Law Journal, Employment Relations Today, Forbes, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, HR Magazine , Human Resource Executive, Human Resource Planning, Industry Week, Labor Law Journal, Management World, Monthly Labor Review, Occupational Health & Safety, Organizational Dynamics , Personnel Management, Psychology Today, Public Administration Review, MIT Sloan Management Review , Training, Training and Development, Workforce, Working Woman, Workspan, WorldatWork Journal.
Selected HR-Related Internet Links:
American Arbitration Association: http://www.adr.org
Academy of Management: http://www.aom.pace.edu
AFL-CIO: http://www.aflcio.org
American Institute for Managing Diversity: http://www.aimd.org
American Psychology Association: http://www.apa.org
American Society for Training and Development: http://www.astd.org
Society for Human Resource Management : http://www.shrm.org
Professionals in Human Resources Association: http://www.pihra.org
World at Work: http://www.worldatwork.org
Selected Government Internet Links:
Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://stats.bls.gov
Census Bureau: http://www.census.gov
Department of Labor: http://www.dol.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: http://www.eeoc.gov
National Labor Relations Board: http://www.nlrb.gov
Occupational Safety and Health Administration: http://www.osha.gov
Office of Personnel Management: http://www.opm.gov
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation: http://www.pbgc.gov
Social Security Administration: http://ssa.gov
Suggested library databases to use:
Google Scholar, ABI Inform Complete, Business Source Premier, Academic Search Complete, Web of Science, PsycInfo
Access sources via the CSULB online library for free: http://www.csulb.edu/library/
When on campus, you can use scholar.google.com to search for articles, and you will automatically have access to download by clicking on “Get It @ CSULB”
