Instructions for Writing the Second Draft of the Assignment:
1. Professor Topf’s Feedback:
- Topic Adjustment: The original topic was good but too broad. It proposed an ambitious empirical research paper that would be interesting as a case study, but it’s beyond the scope of the course. The focus should be narrowed down to a specific workplace issue that is currently relevant.
- Focus Shift: The professor suggests focusing on companies that are rejecting remote work and requiring employees to return to the office. For example, Amazon recently required corporate staff to return to the office. Instead of just studying Airbnb’s remote work policy, the draft should contrast Airbnb’s flexible “Live and Work Anywhere” policy with Amazon’s return-to-office policy.
- Scope: The goal is to focus on a workplace issue (remote work) and analyze it in the context of a workplace where this issue is still live (e.g., Amazon).
- Grade Feedback: The first draft received a B-.
2. Structure (Based on Professor Topf’s Outline):
A. Introduction (Half to One Page)
- General Description of the Company (Airbnb):
- Start by introducing Airbnb, a well-known global hospitality company that promotes flexibility and innovation in the travel industry.
- Context of the Issue (Remote Work):
- Discuss the shift in workplace culture following the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically focusing on remote work.
- Highlight Airbnb’s policy of “Live and Work Anywhere” and how it fits into the broader context of workplace flexibility.
- Comparison with Amazon:
- Introduce Amazon as a contrasting example, discussing their decision to bring employees back to the office, which serves as a counterpoint to Airbnb’s flexibility.
- Thesis:
- Conclude the introduction by stating that the paper will explore the remote work acceptance at Airbnb versus the rejection of it by companies like Amazon and its implications for workplace practices.
B. Description (One to One and a Half Pages)
- Airbnb’s Values and Goals (Discourse Community):
- Discuss Airbnb’s mission and values, which are built around flexibility, inclusivity, and leveraging technology.
- The Workplace Issue: Remote Work Flexibility:
- Examine how Airbnb’s “Live and Work Anywhere” policy is part of its workplace culture and how it reflects the company’s broader goals.
- Contrast this with Amazon’s return-to-office policy, explaining why some companies are hesitant to embrace remote work. Highlight any consequences, such as reduced employee satisfaction or potential talent loss.
- Possible Position:
- Indicate the potential position for the final position paper: Support for remote and flexible work arrangements, arguing that companies resisting this trend (like Amazon) could face challenges in retaining talent and maintaining productivity in the long term.
C. Conclusion (Half a Page)
- Summary of the Key Issue:
- Recap the major points, emphasizing the comparison between Airbnb’s flexible approach and Amazon’s return-to-office mandate.
- Looking Forward:
- Briefly state that the final paper will further analyze the broader implications of these differing approaches on employee performance, organizational culture, and business outcomes.
3. Formatting Guidelines:
- Format the assignment as a memo addressed to Professor Topf.
- Use clear section headings (Introduction, Description, Conclusion) to organize the content.
- Keep the draft to 2 to 3 pages in length, ensuring clarity and focus.