Unit 9 To Successfully Complete This Final Project
Unit 9to Successfully Complete This Final Project You Will Answer E
To successfully complete this final project, you will answer each of the following five questions. The instructor must be able to clearly identify where the answer for each of the questions begins and ends. All four questions below should be answered completely. The Final Project is due before the end of Unit 9.
Question 1: Think of a present/past work environment you have been in (or use an example from your course materials), and then assess organizational behavior practices you observed that fostered the effect of positive change(s) within the organization. Cite relevant examples from your personal experience and utilize additional relevant examples from outside sources and/or the course materials to complete this question.
Question 2: Demonstrate how theories of motivation from this course, if applied in an organization, could increase employee performance. Cite relevant examples from outside sources and/or your course materials to complete this question.
Question 3: Think of your current/former workplace. Evaluate an ethical dilemma(s), that is currently challenging or has in the past challenged your workplace in the context of what the social responsibilities are of management and employees for resolving that ethical challenge. If there are no ethical dilemmas in your workplace you may choose a current event. Cite relevant examples from your personal experiences, outside sources, and/or your course materials to complete this question.
Question 4: Summarize a situation when a miscommunication led to a decrease in employee effectiveness in your present/former workplace. Cite relevant examples from your personal experiences, outside sources, and/or your course materials to complete this question.
Paper For Above instruction
The comprehensive understanding of organizational behavior, motivation theories, ethics, and communication dynamics is essential for fostering effective workplaces. This paper addresses each specified question with insights drawn from personal experiences, academic theories, and relevant outside sources, illustrating the practical application of these concepts in real-world settings.
Question 1: Organizational Behavior Practices that Foster Positive Change
In my previous role at a marketing firm, I observed that effective organizational behavior practices significantly contributed to positive changes within the organization. One such practice was the implementation of participative decision-making, which encouraged employees to share ideas and be involved in strategic planning. This approach fostered a sense of ownership and motivation among team members, leading to increased innovation and job satisfaction (Robbins & Judge, 2019). Organizational support also played a central role, where management actively promoted professional development opportunities and recognized employees' efforts publicly. For example, the company’s recognition program not only boosted morale but also aligned individual goals with organizational objectives, resulting in improved performance (Cameron & Green, 2019). From outside sources, researchers have emphasized that participative leadership and supportive organizational cultures are instrumental in fostering positive change (Yukl, 2013). Such practices cultivate trust and collaboration, which are pivotal for organizational adaptability and resilience.
Question 2: Application of Motivation Theories to Increase Employee Performance
Theories of motivation such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory provide valuable frameworks for enhancing employee performance. For instance, applying Maslow’s theory involves ensuring employees' physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs are satisfied. An organization that invests in fair compensation (physiological needs), a safe work environment, team-building activities (social needs), recognition, and opportunities for growth (self-actualization) creates a motivated workforce (Maslow, 1943). Herzberg’s theory distinguishes between hygiene factors and motivators; addressing hygiene factors reduces job dissatisfaction, while enhancing motivators fosters engagement and productivity (Herzberg, 1966). For example, a tech company that provides meaningful work, recognition, and opportunities for advancement can leverage these motivational factors to significantly boost employee productivity. Empirical studies confirm that motivation theories, when strategically applied, lead to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover, and increased performance (Deci & Ryan, 2000).
Question 3: Ethical Dilemma and Social Responsibilities in the Workplace
In my previous workplace, a notable ethical dilemma involved the mishandling of confidential client information. Management was faced with the challenge of balancing transparency with clients and safeguarding sensitive data, especially under pressure for quick project delivery. The social responsibilities of management included maintaining client trust, adhering to legal standards, and upholding organizational integrity. Employees also had a responsibility to report unethical practices or breaches of confidentiality. The dilemma was compounded when some employees suggested cutting corners to meet deadlines, risking legal and reputational repercussions (Trevino & Nelson, 2017). The ethical response required fostering a culture of accountability and implementing strict data privacy protocols. The organization ultimately prioritized compliance with ethical standards by investing in staff training and creating clear policies, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility. This incident underscores that socially responsible management involves proactive measures to prevent ethical breaches and promote an ethical workplace climate (Ferrell et al., 2019).
Question 4: Impact of Miscommunication on Employee Effectiveness
A specific instance of miscommunication that led to decreased employee effectiveness occurred during a project handover in my previous organization. The project manager failed to clearly communicate the scope and specific responsibilities to team members, assuming that everyone was aligned without verifying understanding. As a result, team members duplicated efforts, missed critical deadlines, and experienced frustration due to ambiguity. The miscommunication caused delays and reduced overall productivity, highlighting the importance of clear, consistent, and transparent communication channels (Robinson & Morley, 2019). Implementing structured communication protocols, such as regular check-ins and written documentation, could have mitigated misunderstandings and improved efficiency. This example illustrates that effective communication is vital for team coordination and organizational success, emphasizing the need for leaders to foster open dialogue and clarify expectations (Shockley-Zalabak, 2015).
References
- Cameron, E., & Green, M. (2019). Making sense of change management: A complete guide to theories and practices. Kogan Page.
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
- Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2019). Business ethics: Ethical decision making & cases. Cengage Learning.
- Herzberg, F. (1966). Work and the nature of man. World Publishing Company.
- Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396.
- Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2019). Organizational behavior (18th ed.). Pearson.
- Robinson, S., & Morley, M. (2019). Communication in organizations. Journal of Business Communication, 56(2), 183-204.
- Shockley-Zalabak, P. (2015). Fundamentals of organizational communication. Pearson.
- Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2017). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right. Wiley.
- Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in organizations (8th ed.). Pearson.