Assignment 1: Case Study
Nonprofit Sector – Organisation: Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit dedicated to addressing one of society’s most pressing challenges—housing insecurity. Operating across more than 70 countries, the organisation works with diverse stakeholders, including governments, corporate partners, community members, and individual volunteers, to build safe, affordable, and sustainable homes. What distinguishes Habitat for Humanity is its collaborative leadership model, which emphasises inclusivity, shared responsibility, and collective problem-solving to amplify its social impact. Instead of acting as a traditional charity that provides homes directly, it empowers communities to work alongside volunteers in constructing and owning their residences, creating both dignity and resilience.
One of its flagship programs, the “Home for a Home” initiative, exemplifies this collaborative approach. Launched in response to the global housing crisis, this initiative mobilises multiple layers of support by creating a chain reaction of contributions. For every home that volunteers help build or renovate, corporate partners provide additional financial resources to fund more projects. This multiplier effect ensures that each action produces exponential results, broadening the organisation’s reach and allowing more families to benefit from secure housing. Beyond construction, the program also fosters meaningful engagement between businesses, governments, and communities, aligning social responsibility with sustainable development goals.
The success of the initiative has been visible not only in the number of homes built but also in the strengthening of community ties. Families who once lived in unsafe or unstable conditions have been able to achieve stability, while local businesses have found opportunities to contribute directly to social development. Governments have also recognised Habitat’s work as a way to supplement public housing strategies, particularly in low-income and disaster-prone areas. The ripple effect extends beyond housing, as communities report improvements in health, education, and economic participation once safe homes are established.
Furthermore, the “Home for a Home” model has elevated public awareness about global housing inequality. By framing home-building as a collaborative responsibility, Habitat for Humanity has shifted narratives about charity into conversations about empowerment, partnership, and sustainability. Volunteers experience firsthand the challenges and rewards of construction, donors witness measurable impact, and beneficiaries gain not just shelter but also inclusion in a global movement. In this way, Habitat for Humanity has demonstrated how collaborative leadership can create innovative solutions to seemingly intractable social problems.
Questions for Analysis (2000-1500 Words) 70 marks
- How does Habitat for Humanity’s collaborative leadership model differ from traditional nonprofit approaches to addressing social issues, and why has it been particularly effective in tackling housing insecurity?
- What role do corporate partners and local governments play in the success of the “Home for a Home” initiative, and how does this reflect the concept of shared value creation?
- Beyond the immediate construction of homes, what long-term social and economic impacts can be attributed to Habitat for Humanity’s initiatives, and how might these influence public policy?
Assignment 2: Individual Reflection on a Real-Life Leader (1000-1200 words) 20 marks
Title: Leadership in Action – A Study of a Real-Life Leader
Assignment Overview
Students will individually select a real-life leader—this may be a corporate leader, political figure, social activist, or entrepreneur. The task is to research and write a detailed essay analysing the leader’s style, qualities, challenges, and impact. This assignment encourages critical reflection and application of leadership theories to real-world contexts.
Assignment Instructions
1. Leader Selection
- Choose a leader you admire or find controversial. Clearly introduce who they are, their background, and why you selected them.
2. Leadership Style and Qualities
- Describe the leader’s approach using leadership theories (e.g., transactional vs.
transformational, servant leadership, and authentic leadership).
- Highlight their strengths and distinctive qualities.
3. Challenges Faced
- Identify major challenges or crises encountered.
- Analyse how the leader’s decisions shaped outcomes during these moments.
4. Impact and Legacy
- Evaluate the leader’s contributions to their organisation, industry, or society.
- Discuss their long-term influence and lessons for modern managers.
5. Conclusion
- Provide a reflective summary on what students can learn from this leader for their own leadership development.
Submission Guidelines
- Students must reference at least 3 credible sources (books, journal articles, or reputable media).
- APA 7th edition citation format with in-text and end-of-text references list.
- Clear structure with relevant headings for each section