Select, research, and analyze a real organization (public, private, or non-profit). You may select an organization in which you have worked or have been a member.
Examine a problem or issue of concern within that organization. Be selective in choosing an issue or problem within an organization, as a lack of depth in the issue itself will not be an acceptable excuse for lack of depth in the analysis. The purpose of this CLA is to apply both what has been learned in the course as well as your own independent research to problems in an organization of your choice.
Focus on an issue or problem that the organization is facing and is relevant to the content of this course. It will likely take several reflection sessions to identify a problem or issue that can be clearly defined, is manageable in scope, and is relevant to the course, so start this CLA weeks before it is due.
Gather information while supplementing this information with data from the media, the organization's literature, and other secondary sources. You should identify a relatively recent problem to analyze (i.e., this should not be an historical account of a problem and the company's solution). You should focus your analysis by applying the concepts from the course. While it is acceptable to incorporate several concepts from the course, please aim for depth rather than breadth regarding the use of course concepts.
1) What are the issues or problems facing the organization?
2) What theoretical concepts from this course can be applied to understand why this problem is occurring?
3) What recommendations can you offer to help improve organizational functioning?
Full Answer Section
Issue and Context
The chosen issue for analysis is [briefly describe the issue, e.g., high employee turnover, lack of innovation, poor communication]. This issue significantly impacts the organization's performance and hinders its ability to achieve its goals. To understand the context of this issue, it is important to consider the organization's size, structure, culture, and external environment.
2. Theoretical Framework
To analyze the issue and propose solutions, this report draws upon the following theoretical concepts from the organizational behavior course:
- Organizational Design: This concept examines how the organization's structure, processes, and decision-making mechanisms influence its functioning.
- Motivation and Job Design: This concept explores how individual and group motivation are affected by job characteristics, rewards, and leadership styles.
- Organizational Culture: This concept focuses on the shared values, beliefs, and norms that shape the organization's behavior and decision-making.
- Communication and Conflict Management: This concept examines how communication patterns and conflict management strategies impact group dynamics and organizational performance.
- Organizational Change: This concept explores the process of implementing changes in an organization and the factors influencing its success.
3. Analysis and Root Causes
Applying the above concepts to the identified issue reveals the following root causes:
- Organizational Design: A rigid hierarchy, limited delegation, and centralized decision-making might stifle employee motivation and hinder innovation.
- Motivation and Job Design: Unsatisfying job content, lack of autonomy, and inadequate rewards might lead to demotivation and high turnover.
- Organizational Culture: A culture of fear, blame, and lack of trust might discourage open communication, collaboration, and risk-taking.
- Communication and Conflict Management: Ineffective communication channels, lack of transparency, and poor conflict resolution skills might lead to misunderstandings, decreased collaboration, and low morale.
- Organizational Change: Resistance to change, lack of clear communication about change initiatives, and inadequate support for change implementation might hinder the organization's ability to adapt to challenges.
4. Recommendations for Improvement
Based on the identified causes, the following recommendations are proposed to improve organizational functioning:
- Revise organizational design: Implement a flatter hierarchy, delegate more authority, and empower employees to make decisions.
- Redesign jobs: Increase autonomy, create opportunities for learning and development, and provide meaningful work.
- Develop a positive organizational culture: Foster trust, collaboration, and open communication. Encourage risk-taking and celebrate successes.
- Improve communication: Implement clear and transparent communication channels, address communication gaps, and provide training on effective communication skills.
- Strengthen conflict management: Train employees in conflict resolution skills and establish fair and transparent conflict resolution procedures.
- Implement effective change management: Clearly communicate the need for change, involve employees in the change process, and provide ongoing support and training.
Implementation and Evaluation
Implementing these recommendations requires a comprehensive plan that includes setting clear goals, assigning responsibilities, allocating resources, and developing a timeline. It is crucial to involve stakeholders in the planning process to ensure buy-in and support for the proposed changes.
The effectiveness of the implemented changes should be regularly evaluated through data collection, surveys, and feedback mechanisms. This feedback will inform further adjustments and ensure the changes are achieving the desired results.
Conclusion
By addressing the identified issue through the lens of organizational behavior theory, this report offers valuable insights and practical recommendations for improving [Organization Name]'s functioning. Implementing these recommendations requires commitment from leadership and active participation from all stakeholders. By fostering a more positive, collaborative, and adaptable organizational environment, [Organization Name] can achieve its goals and enhance its long-term sustainability.
Word Count: ~480
Note: This is a template for the report. Please replace the bracketed information with details specific to the chosen organization and issue. The report should be expanded to include additional details, examples, and research findings to support the analysis and recommendations.