Organisational Dialogue: Theory & Practice SPR
Assignment- Group Case Study Report: Briefing sheet
Word Limit: 3000 words.
Generally, in assessing the work, we will be looking for evidence that:
1. the group has grasped key concepts and theories covered in the course work;
2. the group has applied research skills to the analysis;
3. the group can communicate its ideas and recommendations in a clear, concise, logical and convincing way;
4. the group's prepared written work is properly laid out and supported by accurate references in the appropriate form
Task (from the subject outline):
This assessment is tied to the group project 'Organisational Communication Analysis'. The aim of this assignment is to report on the findings of a small-scale organisational communication evaluation. As a group, students are required to study & analyse the effectiveness of communication in a specific organisational context. This involves:
(1) developing an understanding of the communication implications of organisational objectives;
(2) arriving at a general assessment of the communication culture;
(3) analysing specific communication issues in more depth;
(4) providing recommendations that match the organisation's overall context & purpose.
Recommended report structure
TITLE PAGE
- Report title
- Prepared for (name of the organisation/team/department - use pseudonym for class purposes)
- Prepared by: Group member names
- Submission date
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- List of numbered sections in report and their page numbers
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- Content & purpose of the report
- Methods of data collection & analysis
- Findings
- Recommendations
INTRODUCTION
- Case study setting
- Aims
- Scope
- Terms of reference/Definitions
BODY
- Methodology
o Data collection & analysis
- Findings of the case study (see p.3 for further information)
o Communication implications of organisational objectives
o General assessment of organisational communication culture (strengths & weaknesses)
o Analysis of 2 specific communication issues
CONCLUSION
- Major inferences that can be drawn from the discussion
- Recommendations for the organisation
REFERENCE LIST
- List of reference material consulted during research for report
APPENDIX
- Information that supports your analysis but is not essential to its explanation
What to cover in the findings section of your case study report:
1. Communication implications of organisational objectives/vision/mission statement
o This is your evaluation of what you would expect to see in this organisation in terms of an ‘ideal' communication culture, given its specific context and objectives (the ‘what should be').
o Note: This part should be based on your critical evaluation of strategic organisational statements and supported by the theoretical knowledge that you have gained through your reading of course material to date. Do not yet mix this with your actual findings from the
operational analysis.
2. Brief general assessment of communication culture (strengths & weaknesses)
o Note: This is your evaluation of the actual communication culture (the ‘what is'). You should briefly highlight what you see as the key issues and strengths in terms of communication in this organisation. This part should be linked tightly to the previous section, so that the audience gets an understanding of the gap between the ‘ideal' and the ‘actual' communication culture. Keep it short and visual.
3. Analysis of 2 specific communication issues
o What are 2 communication issues that you have identified as something that the organisation should focus on right now? Some potential areas of interest are leadership communication, upward feedback, team communication, barriers to learning, cross-functional knowledge sharing, etc.. Please make sure you critically analyse in-depth - do not address more than 2 specific communication issues!
o Why have you chosen to direct the organisation's attention to these 2 particular issues? Why are they particularly relevant for this organisation? Your argument should provide a clear link to the strategic objectives of the organisation and specific business implications.
o In your analysis, draw on primary data (e.g. staff quotes, observations) and secondary data (evidence from research other than your own) to support your argument. What you say in this section should motivate and legitimate the recommendations that you will provide later for your audience.
What must be submitted as an attachment to the report by the group in class (week 12):
- Supporting materials (e.g. interview guides, questionnaires - full transcripts are not required)
- Organisational consent form and participant information & consent forms (available via UTS online/subject documents/group case study)
- Completed Peer Review Feedback Sheet
What each student must submit individually to their tutor (week 12):
- Peer Evaluation Form (available via UTS online/subject documents/assignment information)
- The purpose of this form is for you to evaluate the contributions made by each of your group members to the overall performance and success of your group's assignment.