Effective Team and Performance Management

Essay question:

Why do some teams function effectively whilst others are dysfunctional? ( 2000 words max )

Use theories/concepts covered in the module and examples from organisation(s) you are familiar with in order to answer the question.

Use table below as a guide for the essay structure and its requirements.

Mark Learning Outcome

Introduction

1. Clear introduction outlining what the assignment will cover, why it is important and how it is going to be covered. 10%

Main body

2. Your assignment needs to be appropriately structured, with the inclusion of academic literature to demonstrate your theoretical analysis. The argument must be sustained and supported with evidence. 70%

Conclusion

3. Evidence of a clear concluding summary and links made to previous sections in your assignment. No new material should be included, but some consideration of future recommendations. 10%

Report Style and Academic Rigour

4. Your assignment should be well structured and presented. It should be set out as an assignment, including an introduction and conclusion. Your assignment should clearly include academic theories, concepts and models, with supporting references, indicated in the assignment and listed in the references and bibliography. 10%

Please use Harvard referencing style, Arial font in size 12 with single spacing.

Please, write in English and not American!

This essay is very important to me and I need to get at least 70% for it. Previous writers have let me down and i failed a few of my modules with getting a shocking 13% for the writers work. Therefore, I need to make sure it is done properly to avoid going through complaints procedure again. I hope you understand…

Reading List

Key text

Forsyth, D.R. 2013. Group Dynamics, 6th International Edition. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. ISBN 0-534-36822-0.

This book requires the support of allocated reading to each teaching week and wider reading from the list below. Additional search and reading of peer-reviewed journal articles found through databases such as Business Source Premier is encouraged. This book examines all aspects of groups, dealing with such topics as the individual and the group, group formation, group development and socialization, structure and influence, leadership, performance, and intergroup relations in their own separate chapters.

Forsyth provides comprehensive coverage, including evolutionary psychology, social identity theory, individualism-collectivism, introversion/extraversion, primary and secondary groups, and the belongingness hypothesis.

Fourteen extended case studies illustrate the application of concepts to actual groups. Conceptual analyses of groups are reviewed in depth, along with empirical studies that highlight important principles. Forsyth explores topics that will interest both theoretically minded basic research scientists and applications-oriented group experts.

Teams

Belbin, M., 2010. Management Teams: Why they Succeed or Fail. London, Butterworth-Heinemann.

Drucker, P., 1999. Management Challenges in the 21st Century. New York: Harper Collins.

Hardingham, A., 1995. Working in Teams. London: Institute for Personnel Development.

Jelphs, K., 2008. Working in Teams. Bristol: Policy.

Lencioni, P., 2004. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – A Leadership Fable. San Fransisco: Jossey-Bass.

Thompson, L. L., 2011. Making the Team: A Guide for Managers. 4th International Edition. London: Pearson.

Thompson, L. L. and Hoon-Seok-Choi. eds, 2013. Creativity and Innovation in Organizational Teams. London: Psychology Press.

Thompson, L. L., 2003. The Social Psychology of Organizational Behaviour: Key Readings. Hove: Psychology Press.

Whelan, S. A., 2010. Creating Effective Teams: A Guide for Members and Leaders. 3rd ed. London: Sage.

Mueller, F. and Procter, S., 2002. Issues in Teamworking. Bradford: Emerald Group Publishing.

Ebook

Thompson, L. L., 2009. The Mind and Heart of the Negotiator. 4th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education.

Letsky, M. P., 2008. Macrorecognition in Teams: Theories and Methodologies. Farnham: Ashgate

Kemp, J. M., 2008. Moving out of the Box: Tools for Team Decision Making. Westpor: Praeger.

Ernst, C. and Martin, A., 2006. Critical Reflections: How Groups Learn from Success and Failure. Greensboro: Centre for Creative Leadership.

Levi, D., 2007. Group Dynamics for Teams. 2nd ed. London: Sage.

Considers the different team role behaviours which shape everyday interactions in teams.

This book looks at the future of management thinking and practice. It considers the changes in the world economy, and shifts in the practice of management.

This text looks at teamworking and considers the following: understanding the nature and make-up of teams; finding out if your team is on track; overcoming common teamworking problems

Introduces a range of theories, models and research to demonstrate the benefits – and pitfalls – inherent in teamworking.

Concisely examines, and suggests solutions to, dysfunctions. Provides in-depth readings which explore the dynamic relations between individual thinking, group processes, and organizational environment

Combines/ applies theory with/ to organisational practice.

Provides in-depth readings which explore the dynamic relations between individual thinking, group processes, and organizational environment

A collection of readings (e.g. science of organizational behaviour; decision making; negotiation and social dilemmas; groups and teams; procedural justice; relationships and trust; and vales, norms and politics)

A practical guide for building and sustaining top performing teams with real- life examples and problem solving skills.

This text provides an integrated view of what to do and what to avoid during negotiation. Integrates theory, scientific research, and practical examples.

Provides a greater understanding of the macrocognitive (e.g ideas, beliefs, decisions) processes which support collaborative team activity

Identifies five decision-making profiles related to effective/ ineffective decision making

Provides managers with specific advice on how to complete a developmental task or solve a leadership challenge.

Relates and applies psychological concepts of group dyamics to teams and group processes.

Explains and explores teams in relation to a much broader environmental variables or systems dynamics

Leadership

Adair, J., 2007. Leadership for Innovation: How to Organize Team Creativity and Harvest Ideas. London: Kogan Page.

Haslam, S. A., Reicher, S. D. & Platow, M. J., 2011. The new psychology of leadership: Identity, influence and power. London: Psychology Press.

Jackson, B. & Parry, K., 2011. A very short fairly interesting and reasonably cheap book about studying leadership. London: Sage.

Explores the links between leadership and teams.

Explores the social identity approach to leadership.

Explores several leadership theories.

It would be great if you could use some material from our reading list. If some of them are not accessible and you need to read or include then in the essay, let me know and i will try to scan it for you and upload online.

Please study thoroughly all attached PowerPoint slides as they have all brief information of what needs to be mentioned in the essay ( i.e relevant theories, economists thoughts and so on ). Please, provide a good analysis to answer our essay question and stick to the Marking Criteria structure i provided.

Use Key Text book : Forsyth. R. 2014. Group Dynamics. Wandworth. Cengage Learning. 6th ed.

Essay is mainly based on this book. All relevant theories are explained there.

Please write essay to fit into marking criteria:

1. Introduction:

An excellent introduction that is clear and succinct. It outlines what the assignment will cover, why it is important and how it is going to be covered.

2. Main body

You demonstrate excellent understanding and analysis of the relevant academic literature. Your ideas are well linked to the theory, whilst at the same time, being focused on the assignment task.

3. Conclusion

An excellent conclusion that is presented thoroughly and clearly based on the theoretical analysis. Contributions to future research and practice are outlined well.