You are required to write a literature review essay on two relationships, one in organizational
behaviour, while the other in organizational development. A relationship here means the effect
of one variable on the other (or the relationship between two variables). Altogether, there
should be four variables. You are required to perform literature review on the two
relationships to develop a critical review of the latest development of them. (500 words each
relationship; a total of 1000 words +- 10%)
Key Parts in the Essay (word count excluding references and appendices):
Introduction (~200 words; 5%)
– Establish the context of your review by stating your selected two relationships with the
definitions of the four variables, address the importance of them, and point to the literature
reviewed. When appropriate, introduce your subsequent parts of your literature review
essay.
Summary of Main Points and Critique (~800 words; 40%)
– Provide your views and comments on the two relationships chosen with EVIDENCE.
Evidence should be findings from empirical studies, theories, concepts, etc., in journal
articles, books, reports, and “figures in magazines”.
– Extract the key themes, arguments, findings, and conclusions in the literature, including
various complementary or contradictory perspectives, with respect to the two
relationships.
– Express your critical views (with EVIDENCE) about the literature reviewed, for example,
focusing on the positive and/or negative aspects of the involved relationships.
– If appropriate, you may also discuss the methods used by the authors. However, if you are
not strong in methodologies, do not attempt to comment on them.
– Pay attention to the context of the literature.
Hints:
– Be focused about your review goal(s).
– Both classics and updated studies should be in the review.
– Do not use strange terms. Do not create the terms by yourself. If you use terms from
Chinese literature, please check their corresponding terms in English. Do not simply 2
translate the Chinese terms with dictionary.
– The literature used should be of appropriate coverage but there is no need to be exhaustive.
As a minimum requirement, you must have at least 10 pieces of literature cited in your
assignment (5 for each relationship). Do not only cite Chinese literature (please note that
the existing literature is mainly covered by Western literature). The quality of how you
cite other people’s views and arguments would definitely affect your grade.
Assessment Criteria:
Content (45%)
Focus – Relevance and clarity of review goal(s)
Understanding – A clear understanding of the selected variables and their relationships
Analysis – Ability to compare, contrast, or synthesize the main points presented in the
literature
Critique – Ability to critically comment on the main points and present your own views
Organization and Presentation (5%)
Format of Citations and Reference
Organization – Coherence and orderliness
Presentation – Effectiveness in modes of presentation, including fluency of expression
Other Information:
Writing format: Single-line spacing; 12 font size; Times New Roman; justify (align text
to both sides). No hand writing is allowed unless permission is granted.