Thought paper explanation
First, follow the format. EXACTLY! Note the location of your name, title, and date (single space, upper left-hand).
Paragraph 1 (? 1) introduces the thought paper and theory; paragraph 2 is the story that ?marries? both the theoretical construct (? 1) and story (? 2), itself. Following should be a general ?umbrella? statement, or two, about the theory (? 3), followed with several sentences that succinctly presents the ?components.? Be sure to conclude with a paragraph and strong ending sentence.
The above example is a thought paper on a thought paper. Notice that I?m ?telling the story? of the construction of a thought paper: The central point of a thought paper is to give you the opportunity to think. A well-developed thought paper should start off with you reviewing the basic question and theory in a brief introductory paragraph. The second paragraph describes the situation used to frame the thought paper, while paragraph 3 (? 3) begins with a thesis statement, then links examples of the theoretical construct(s) you?re your story, which continues in ?4. In other words I?m talking about the construction of a thought paper with an explanation of how I view the situation, using the assigned theory.
An example that briefly describes the theory and its principle elements would be: ?The mechanistic theory suggests that organizations act as machines and stressed the need for efficiency and repeatability. Mechanistic theories assume a stable environment and do not emphasize the human element.? Continuing, ?McDonald?s has extended the mechanistic model to the point that the customer is now part of the machine, ordering by number, standing exactly in place on footsteps pasted to the floor, and filling drink orders when directed. The realization that I had traded my individuality, my humanity to get a quick and not expensive lunch made me examine what other conveniences I had traded for efficiency and reliability. McDonald?s ?training? is preparing us all to accept mediocrity for a few moments of speed.?? 5 and 6 is an interpretation– where the reader gets to know what the author learned from the experience: How did doing the exercise affect your learning and/or understanding of the theory, the organization, or yourself.

example
Name: W. Scott Sherman, PhD (Original writer) and J. Gebhardt, PhD (Modification) Title: What is a thought paper
Date: XX/XX/20XX
A thought paper is an opportunity for you to think about and discuss how you interpret a concept or idea we have discussed in class. Thought papers should be double-spaced and no longer than two pages. Margins should be no less than 3?4 inches on all sides and my fading eyesight would appreciate if you used 12-point type. Also, follow APA rules which includes references for any citations. This can be on a third page, with References noted at the top. This memo is (originally) formatted in the proper format as an example for you.
The central point of a thought paper is to give you the opportunity to think. A well-developed thought paper should start off with you reviewing the basic question and theory in a brief introductory paragraph. A second brief paragraph should describe the situation you are using to frame the thought paper. Next, a paragraph or two should explain how you view the situation using the assigned theory. The concluding paragraphs are where you should interpret what all of the above means to you.
An example that briefly describes the theory you are using and its principle elements would be: ?The mechanistic theory suggests that organizations act as machines and stressed the need for efficiency and repeatability. Mechanistic theories assume a stable environment and do not emphasize the human element.? The interpretation is where I get to know what you learned from the experience: How did doing the exercise affect your learning and/or understanding of the theory, the organization, or yourself. For example, ?McDonald?s has extended the mechanistic model to the point that the customer is now part of the machine, ordering by number, standing exactly in place on footsteps pasted to the floor, and filling drink orders when directed. The realization that I had traded my individuality, my humanity to get a quick and not expensive lunch made me examine what other conveniences I had traded for efficiency and reliability. McDonald?s ?training? is preparing us all to accept mediocrity for a few moments of speed.?