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Reflective Paper- Master of Science in Management degree ePortfolio for Fall Quarter

Reflective Paper
ePortfolio for Fall Quarter 2016

International College of the Cayman Islands

President: Dr. Marshall

By: Suzette Charlery

Date: January 15, 2017

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Reflective Paper- Master of Science in Management degree ePortfolio for Fall Quarter

Reflective Assignment

For this reflective paper, I choose to present a case study paper I completed which shows I
mastered the third student learning outcome which state:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to exhibit knowledge,
understanding, and evaluation of their subject matter.

During Fall Quarter 2016 I was enrolled in GR504 Management Theory and Practice. The title of
my research paper is Participatory Decision-Making in an Ethical Dilemma and how it relates
to Job Satisfaction.' I chose this topic because I am aware of the high turnover rate of teachers in
the Cayman Islands and I want to investigate whether participative decision-making influenced
teachers decision to leave their jobs. My research explores the importance of making good
ethical decisions in solving ethical dilemmas and is designed to determine if there is any direct
relationship between principals using participative decision-making skills and teachers job
satisfaction.

My Introduction page explains decision making begins with the recognition or awareness of
problems and opportunities and conclude with an assessment of the results of actions taken to
solve those problems. There are different levels of participative decision-making, the decision
depends on the manager, the employees, the organization and the nature of the decision itself
(Lewis et al. 2007). No single technique applies to all situations or dilemmas. However,

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Reflective Paper- Master of Science in Management degree ePortfolio for Fall Quarter

participative decision making has many benefits. Research by Kim (2001) found that teachers
participation in decision making gives teachers more authority and power in the domain of their
daily professional activities and with job satisfaction (Kim, 2001).

I mastered my ability to demonstrate my knowledge, understanding, and evaluation of my

subject matter as I researched the decision-making process and how the teacher's level of
participation in decision making affects the broader school beyond the classroom. Six teachers
participated in my case study by completing the questionnaire which revealed that most
decisions remain dominated by principals. I learn that when principals include teachers in the
decision-making process in elementary schools, it lead to teachers experiencing higher levels of
job satisfaction. Also, other advantages of participative decision-making include teachers having
greater professional experience, and expertise, more information to share, higher satisfaction and
greater acceptance and commitment to the decision (Lewis et al., 2007).

In the conclusion of my case study, teachers felt job satisfaction is critical in determining school
effectiveness; they would stay longer in the organization and less likely to leave the profession if
they could participate more and have autonomy in the school (Mosheti, 2013).

References:

Kim, E. (2001). The relationships between decision -making participation and job satisfaction
among Korean high school teachers (Order No. 3009610). Available from ProQuest
Dissertations & Theses Global. (251641138). Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezp-

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Reflective Paper- Master of Science in Management degree ePortfolio for Fall Quarter

02.lirn.net/docview/251641138?accountid=158672

Lewis, P., Goodman, S., Fandt, P., and Michlitsch, J. (2007). Management Challenges for
Tomorrows Leaders. 5th Edition. South-Western. Chapter 6.

Mosheti, P. A. (2013). Teacher participation in school decision-making and job satisfaction as

correlates of organizational commitment in senior schools in Botswana (Order No. 3565674).
Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (1413330253). Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com.ezp-02.lirn.net/docview/1413330253?accountid=158672