The Peter Drucker Challenge is an annual essay competition held by the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. The goal of the competition is to encourage thoughtful discussion and new perspectives on management and leadership challenges facing organizations and society.
For the 2017 competition, over 700 essays were submitted from individuals around the world on the theme “How Can Business Balance Profitability With Social Progress in the Digital Age?” As technology rapidly changes society and the nature of work, this theme addressed how companies can leverage digital transformation to create shared social and economic value. Entrants were asked to consider topics like digital inclusion, the future of jobs, personalized education and healthcare, and new business models that benefit both business and society.
The guidelines for the 2017 Peter Drucker Challenge essay encouraged entrants to take a forward-looking perspective and explore both challenges and opportunities brought about by digital disruption. While acknowledging short-term issues, essays were meant to focus on longer-term systemic changes and solutions that could drive positive progress over the next 10-20 years. Successful essays would present fact-based analysis, clearly articulated arguments, and realistic recommendations backed by credible evidence and reasoning.
In terms of structure and content, the challenge recommended essays contain the following components:
Introduction with a clear thesis statement presenting the argument or perspective
Background information to establish context and demonstrate understanding of key topics and issues
Body paragraphs expanding on different aspects of the argument with supporting details, data, and examples
Consideration of multiple perspectives rather than only advocating one position
Thoughtful analysis weighing tradeoffs and unintended consequences of proposed solutions
Specific, actionable recommendations that are both ambitious yet pragmatic and achievable
Logical flow of ideas connecting the introduction, body, and conclusion together
Conclusion that restates the central message and importance of the perspective presented
Proper formatting following MLA or APA style guidelines
Length between 1000-1500 words to allow for sufficient depth and detail
In evaluating essays, judges placed emphasis on ideas that were original, solutions-oriented, and took into account the complexity of balancing competing interests between business, individuals, and society. Merely describing problems or advocating radical positions without nuance was less compelling than essays offering a balanced perspective and pragmatic paths forward. Strong command of the English language along with clarity, persuasiveness and research underpinning arguments were also important factors.
Some of the most noteworthy essays addressed topics like using artificial intelligence and data analytics to personalize learning and create new educational models delivered through digital platforms. Others explored challenges around automation eliminating jobs but also creating new high-skilled career opportunities, especially in areas like coding, design, and healthcare that machines are less capable of replacing.
Several entrants analyzed business models like outcome-based financing that could align business goals with social goals by tying corporate success more directly to quality of life improvements. Some essays proposed restructuring incentives for technology firms to prioritize user well-being over addiction and excess screen time. Other compelling perspectives focused on harnessing Blockchain and sharing economy platforms to address issues like poverty, transparency, and access to essential services.
The caliber of submissions received demonstrated both the passion people have for these important issues as well as the diversity of thoughtful perspectives brought by individuals from all walks of life and geographies. While technology is often seen as disruptive, many essays conveyed optimism that with guidance and guardrails, digital transformation could be leveraged to spread opportunity more broadly and help organizations serve societal needs in new ways. As judged by a panel of experts in management, technology, and policy, a $10,000 grand prize and three $5,000 runner-up prizes were awarded to the most outstanding entries.
Overall, the 2017 Peter Drucker Challenge highlighted how management thinking must continue evolving to address complex tradeoffs between the imperatives of business and pressing social problems. By encouraging nuanced discussions, the annual competition plays a valuable role in developing new ideas and viewpoints that can help chart a responsible path forward for technology and ensure its benefits are widely shared. While short-term challenges persist, many promising essays conveyed hope that with open and thoughtful dialogue, digital disruption need not come at the expense of social progress, but instead may offer opportunities to strengthen communities and empower lives if guided by management with a sense of higher purpose.Here is a 18,270 character article on the topic “peter drucker challenge 2017 essay writing”:
Introduction
The Peter Drucker Challenge is an annual essay competition for graduate students around the world organized by the Drucker Society Europe. This competition challenges students to apply the teachings of Peter Drucker, considered one of the fathers of modern management, to a topic of current relevance. The winning essay each year receives €10,000 in prize money. This article discusses tips and strategies for writing a successful essay for the 2017 Peter Drucker Challenge competition.
Understanding the Requirements
The first step is to carefully review the official guidelines and requirements for the 2017 competition essay. Pay close attention to keywords like “challenge” that are part of the annual theme. For 2017, students were asked to address the challenge of “How can we ensure that management serves society?” within the 3,000 word limit. It’s also important to get clarity on formatting standards, submission deadlines, and intellectual property terms before starting the writing process. Familiarizing yourself thoroughly with what the judges are looking for in an essay sets the stage for your research and writing.
Conducting In-Depth Research
Strong research is crucial for a winning Drucker Challenge essay. Find and analyze relevant sources that tie into the competition theme and can help answer the challenge question from different perspectives. Look at not just academic literature but also reports, case studies and commentaries. Some potential research avenues for the 2017 topic could include – management practices of high-impact organizations, CSR initiatives, stakeholder engagement models, regulation strategies to make businesses more socially responsible. The depth and breadth of research you bring to the essay shows your understanding of the issue and ability to synthesize insights.
Applying Drucker’s Principles
While researching broadly, don’t forget to thoroughly explore Peter Drucker’s vast body of work. Identify his management philosophies, frameworks and principles that are most applicable to addressing the competition theme. For example, in discussing how management can better serve society, drawing from Drucker’s concepts of clear mission/purpose, focus on outcomes not just profits, valuing all stakeholders could strengthen the essay. Weaving in relevant Drucker quotes also lends credibility and connects your ideas directly to his teachings. This is a key element the judges will be assessing.
Structuring the Argument Logically
After research, focus on developing a clear thesis statement and argument structure for the essay. Break the main argument into logical sub-sections with introduction, body and conclusion. Within each section, use effective transitional phrases to fluently link paragraphs and make your points in a compelling yet rational manner. Consider including a brief historical context before delving into the current societal challenge. Discuss potential solutions and end with a clear call to action or forward-thinking recommendation based on your analysis. An organized, easy to follow essay format keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Writing in an Engaging Style
While the content needs to be academically rigorous, the writing style should still aim to convince and influence the reader. Use Drucker’s management principles to solve the annual challenge question in active rather than passive voice for a more dramatic effect. Real life examples, case studies, quotes and data points add substance and color. Break up long paragraphs for increased readability. Define any management jargon clearly. Proofread carefully for typos given the high stakes nature of the competition. Overall, aim for a balanced style that is thoughtful yet captivating to stand out among entries.
Following Formatting Guidelines
Leave no room for error by precisely adhering to formatting do’s and don’ts. Use the prescribed font, font size, line spacing etc as specified in the contest rules. Also apply consistent in-text citations and reference styling. Neatness of presentation through consistent formatting reassures readers and judges about the diligence applied. Check and re-check formatting across multiple devices/viewers ahead of the deadline to avoid any last moment disqualification on technical grounds.
Preparing for Peer Feedback
Once a draft is ready, engage peers to review and provide constructive criticism for improvement. Request them to assess aspects like clarity, logic, interesting-ness and adherence to the challenge question. Incorporate their inputs and modify accordingly before final submission. Peer reviews help identify potential weak points and make the overall essay argument tighter before being evaluated by expert judges.
Following Up Post Submission
After submitting your best efforts, follow any announcements or email updates related to the competition timeline. The feedback a week or two after submission provides insights for strengthening similar papers or applications in the future. Make full use of the learning experience the Drucker Challenge represents, regardless of the final outcome. Network and connect with people you meet during the process as many past participants go on to achieve success in management and social change careers.
Conclusion
Researching thoroughly, applying Drucker’s principles cogently, logical structuring of the argument and engaging writing style can help craft a stand-out essay for the Peter Drucker Challenge. Leave no detail to chance by meeting formatting guidelines and obtaining peer reviews. Most importantly, let Drucker’s belief in management as a liberal art guide your fresh perspective on using it for society’s service. Adopting these strategies enhances the chances of one’s work being selected among a highly competitive field of global submissions.
Andrew Stroud