Graduate Level Writing Assignment Due Sunday, May 2 ✓ Solved

100 Original Workgraduate Level Writing Requireddue Sunday May 24

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper about decision-making in your organization or one of which you familiar. In your paper include: -The power and political elements of your organization. -Communication channels within your organization and how you feel they could be improved. -One successful and one unsuccessful experience with group decision making. -Discuss the factors that affected the group's overall effectiveness, drawing from concepts in your readings. Include at least four additional scholarly reference. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Decision-making is an integral aspect of organizational functioning, significantly influencing outcomes within a criminal justice environment. Understanding the various dynamics that affect decision processes—including power, political elements, communication channels, and group effectiveness—provides valuable insights into organizational behavior and leadership. This paper explores these elements within my organization, the local police department, illustrating how they impact decision-making and proposing strategies for improvement.

Power and Political Elements in the Organization

Power dynamics within the police department are shaped by formal authority, expertise, and control over resources. The chief of police holds formal power, dictating policies and strategic directions, while command staff and supervisors wield influence through their experience and ability to mobilize resources. Political elements manifest through departmental politics, internal alliances, and external community pressures. These influence decision-making, often rationing it according to political expediency or departmental priorities (French & Raven, 1959). For instance, political pressures from local government or community groups can sway decisions related to resource allocation or policy adjustments, sometimes at the expense of optimal outcomes.

Communication Channels and Opportunities for Improvement

Communication within the police organization primarily occurs through formal channels such as reports, meetings, and memos. Informally, officers often rely on hallway conversations and digital communication platforms. While these channels facilitate basic information exchange, there are notable gaps in transparency and feedback mechanisms. Inefficient communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and reduced trust among team members (Susan & Wray, 2010). To improve communication, implementing regular cross-departmental briefings and utilizing collaborative digital platforms for real-time updates could enhance clarity and engagement, ultimately fostering a more cohesive decision-making environment.

Successful Group Decision-Making Experience

An example of successful group decision-making occurred during a community outreach initiative aimed at increasing youth engagement in local neighborhoods. The team involved officers, community leaders, and youth representatives. Through structured discussions, active listening, and consensus-building, the group collaboratively devised a strategy emphasizing youth empowerment programs. The decision was effective because of shared goals, clear roles, and open communication, aligning with the groupthink prevention strategies discussed by Janis (1972).

Unsuccessful Group Decision-Making Experience

Conversely, an unsuccessful experience involved a departmental response plan following a hostage situation. The decision-making process was characterized by dominance of senior officers, limited input from frontline staff, and insufficient communication, leading to delays and operational confusion. The group's overall effectiveness was compromised by hierarchical rigidity and lack of diverse perspectives, consistent with the socio-technical systems theory (Checkland, 1981). This experience highlights the importance of inclusive participation and flexible communication within teams.

Factors Influencing Group Effectiveness

Several factors impacted the effectiveness of group decisions in these scenarios. Leadership style played a critical role; transformational leadership fosters participation and motivation, improving outcomes (Bass, 1985). Additionally, group cohesion, characterized by trust and shared purpose, enhanced decision quality, whereas conflicts and lack of clear goals undermined effectiveness (Tuckman, 1965). The presence of structured decision-making processes, such as consensus or Delphi methods, also contributed positively, aligning with research by Lunenburg (2010).

Furthermore, individual differences, including communication styles, experience levels, and attitudes towards change, influenced group dynamics. Emphasizing training in decision-making and communication skills can bolster group performance (McGrath et al., 2000). Recognizing these factors allows leaders to foster an environment conducive to effective decision-making, especially in high-stakes settings like criminal justice agencies.

Conclusion

Understanding the power, political elements, communication channels, and factors influencing group success provides a comprehensive view of decision-making within police organizations. By addressing communication gaps, promoting inclusive participation, and understanding the underlying power dynamics, law enforcement agencies can enhance their decision-making processes. Implementing ongoing training and fostering a culture of transparency and shared purpose are essential steps toward organizational effectiveness in criminal justice settings.

References

  • Bass, B. M. (1985). Leadership and performance beyond expectations. Free Press.
  • Checkland, P. (1981). Systems thinking, systems practice: Includes a 1999 introduction by the author. Wiley.
  • French, J. R., & Raven, B. (1959). The bases of social power. In D. Cartwright (Ed.), Studies in social power (pp. 150-167). University of Michigan.
  • Janis, I. L. (1972). Victims of groupthink. Houghton Mifflin.
  • Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). The decision-making process. National Forum of Educational Administration and Supervision Journal, 27(4), 1-9.
  • McGrath, J. E., Arrow, H., & Salas, E. (2000). The study of groups: Past, present, and future. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 82(1), 1-8.
  • Susan, H., & Wray, M. (2010). Improving communication in law enforcement. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 25(3), 122-130.
  • Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384-399.

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