ASSIGNMENT

ON

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (BSW215)

1. ETHNICITY IS MORE DEADLY THAN RACISM. DISCUSS.
2. EXPLAIN WHICH OF THIS ‘POWER AUTHORITY AND
LEADERSHIP’ IS THE FOUNDATION OF ADMINISTRATION
AND EXPLAIN WHY

BY

AWUJUO PRECIOUS
pt2021_20120974

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORKS

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
BENIN CITY

JANUARY, 2024.
Introduction

Discrimination in the form of ethnicity and racism is a pervasive issue with far-reaching
consequences. A nuanced understanding of these concepts is crucial for devising
effective strategies to address and mitigate their impact on societies.

Concept of Ethnicity

Ethnicity goes beyond mere biological differences and encompasses shared cultural traits,
linguistic affiliations, historical experiences, and a collective sense of identity among a
group of people. While it often fosters a sense of community, it can also be a source of
tension when different ethnicities interact, leading to conflicts that range from cultural
misunderstandings to outright violence.

Concept of Racism

Racism involves the prejudiced discrimination against individuals based on their race.
This discrimination can manifest at both individual and systemic levels, permeating
various aspects of society, including institutions, policies, and interpersonal relationships.
Racism can lead to profound disparities in opportunities, access to resources, and overall
quality of life for targeted racial groups.

Comparison of Ethnicity and Racism

The comparison between ethnicity and racism is complex. While racism is centered on
discrimination based on race, ethnicity-based conflicts often arise from historical
grievances, territorial disputes, or cultural differences. Racism can result in systemic
oppression and violence against specific racial groups, while ethnicity-based conflicts
may escalate into large-scale violence, civil unrest, and displacement when different
ethnic groups clash.

Ethnicity is more deadly than Racism:

Determining which is more deadly requires careful consideration of specific contexts.

Ethnicity-based conflicts can be particularly deadly as they may involve deep-rooted
historical animosities and result in widespread violence, displacement, and human
suffering. However, it's essential to recognize that racism, with its systemic impact, can
also have severe and lasting consequences on individuals and communities. Addressing
both ethnicity and racism is imperative for building inclusive societies and preventing the
devastating effects of discrimination and conflict.

EXPLAIN WHICH OF THIS ‘POWER AUTHORITY AND LEADERSHIP’ IS

THE FOUNDATION OF ADMINISTRATION AND EXPLAIN WHY

Leadership

Leadership involves inspiring and guiding individuals or teams, fostering a shared vision,
and motivating others to work towards common objectives. Effective leaders possess the
ability to inspire trust, communicate persuasively, and adapt to varying situations. In
administration, leadership is crucial for steering an organization through challenges,
inspiring innovation, and maintaining a cohesive team.

Power Authority

Power is the ability to influence or control others. While it can be an aspect of leadership,
it can also be wielded without genuine leadership qualities. Power can be formal, arising
from positions within an organizational hierarchy, or informal, derived from personal
relationships or expertise. Leadership that relies solely on power without considering the
needs and aspirations of the team may lead to resistance or lack of commitment.
Authority is the legitimate power vested in a position or role. It is often associated with
organizational hierarchies and formal structures. While authority is essential for
maintaining order and ensuring that decisions are made, effective administration requires
leaders to go beyond merely relying on positional authority. Leadership involves using
authority judiciously and combining it with other skills to inspire and guide a team.

Leadership as the Foundation of Administration

“Leadership” is often considered the foundation of administration, as it plays a pivotal

role in guiding and influencing individuals or groups toward the achievement of
organizational goals. While “power” and “authority” are components of leadership, they
alone may not suffice for effective administration

In the realm of administration, leadership serves as the cornerstone for several

compelling reasons. At its core, leadership involves the ability to influence, inspire, and
guide individuals or groups towards shared goals and objectives. This multifaceted role
extends beyond formal authority and organizational hierarchies, encompassing a set of
skills and traits that are pivotal for effective administration.

1. Vision and Direction

Leadership provides the overarching vision and direction for an organization. A leader
articulates a compelling vision that aligns with the mission and goals of the
administration. This vision serves as a guiding force, shaping the decisions, actions, and
priorities of the organization.

2. Inspiration and Motivation:

Effective leaders have the ability to inspire and motivate individuals within the
organization. Through effective communication, encouragement, and setting a positive
example, leaders foster a sense of purpose and commitment among team members. This
motivation is instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving collective objectives.

3. Adaptability and Innovation:

In the dynamic landscape of administration, adaptability is crucial. Leaders navigate

uncertainties, embrace change, and encourage innovation. They foster a culture that
values creative problem-solving and continuous improvement, contributing to the
organization's resilience and success in a rapidly evolving environment.

4. Building and Sustaining Teams

Leadership involves creating cohesive and high-performing teams. Leaders understand

the strengths of team members, delegate responsibilities effectively, and foster a
collaborative environment. Team cohesion is essential for achieving organizational goals
and maintaining a positive work culture.

5. Ethical Decision-Making

Leadership is intertwined with ethical considerations. Leaders guide the organization

with integrity, making decisions that align with ethical principles and values. This ethical
foundation is crucial for maintaining trust within the organization and with external
stakeholders.

6. Power and Authority Alignment

While power and authority are components of leadership, effective leaders go beyond
relying solely on these aspects. They understand how to judiciously use formal authority
and navigate informal power dynamics. Leadership ensures that power is wielded
responsibly, and authority is exercised in a manner that resonates with the overall vision
and values of the organization.

In conclusion, leadership serves as the bedrock of administration by providing vision,

inspiration, adaptability, team-building, ethical guidance, and a nuanced understanding of
power and authority. Organizations thrive when their administration is led by individuals
who embody these leadership qualities, fostering an environment conducive to success,
growth, and positive impact.