Assignment:
Review the following chapters in Group Behavior in Organizations:
1. Chapter 9: Leadership
2. Chapter 10: Group Cooperation and Conflict
Discussions
1. Leadership
In a group environment, should leaders be assigned at the beginning of a project or should leaders emerge as the group is working on the project? Outline the positives and negatives of each approach. Is there a particular type of group that uses a particular leadership approach? Why do you think this is the case? Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts.
2. Conflict and Competition
Discuss whether intergroup conflict and intergroup competition are the same or different. Provide examples to support your position. What strategies can a leader use to ensure that there are positive results from the conflict or competition?
Final Paper
Focus of the Final Paper
You will choose a generic organization (manufacturing plant, hospital, etc.). Assume that you are a hired consultant for this organization. You have been asked by the president of the organization to prepare a background paper on the results of your research and to make recommendations to improve group productivity in the organization.
Your research has identified the following problems:
1. Role conflicts within groups
2. Communication problems among group members
3. Lack of cohesiveness in groups with diverse members
4. Excessive intergroup conflict
In an eight to ten-page paper, include the following:
1. Introduction - clear explanation of the type of organization
2. Explanation of how each problem could impact a group's productivity (use examples to illustrate points)
3. Recommendations to resolve each problem
4. Suggestions, based on your knowledge of group dynamics, for a company-wide training program on best practices for group productivity
5. Conclusion/Summary
Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:
1. Should be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
2. Should include a title page with the following:
o Title of paper
o Student's name
o Course name and number
o Instructor's name
o Date submitted
3. Should begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
4. Should address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
5. Should end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
6. Should use at least six scholarly sources.
7. Should document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
8. Should include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.