In Week 1, 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:
Role conflicts within groups
Communication problems among group members
Lack of cohesiveness in groups with diverse members
Excessive intergroup conflict
In a 8-10 page paper, include the following:
Introduction – clear explanation of the type of organization
Explanation of how each problem could impact a groups productivity (use examples to illustrate points)
Recommendations to resolve each problem
Suggestions, based on your knowledge of group dynamics, for a company-wide training program on best practices for group productivity
Conclusion/Summary
Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:
Must be 8-10 pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Writing Center.
Must include a title page with the following:
Title of paper
Students name
Course name and number
Instructors name
Date submitted
Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Writing Center.
Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Writing Center.
Must use at least six scholarly sources, in addition to the course text.
This is the topic I picked below during the week 1 exercise.
I will use retail organizations, specifically large chain stores such as Wal-Mart, for my research paper. Regarding Wal-Mart, the main goal seems to be to get “the people” what they want at one location and at a lower competitive price. The turnover rate for stores like this is unimaginably high, which is why stores like this need to be examined.
I plan to examine the following sections to improve productivity and lower the turnover rate:
Evaluate the current turnover rate for stability in the workplace.
Evaluate team members’ current skill levels in employee training. The lack of proper training leaves employees feeling less like they are a part of a team and more of just a warm body taking someone else’s place.
Evaluate team cohesiveness. Having a cohesive team closely relates to the turnover rates and employees feeling unvalued.
Evaluate the presence of “groupthink,” which inhibits successful productivity. If a conflict cannot be resolved.
Evaluate communication levels, including open communication policies to others in the group or above the group.
