Purpose:
This assessment consists of six (6) questions and is designed to assess your level of knowledge of the key topics covered in this unit. Students who cite relevant peer-reviewed academic articles in the text to support their assertions, and list all references appropriately at the end of the report using the ‘Adapted Harvard referencing’ style may receive higher marks than those who do not cite any scholarly literature.
1 Discuss some of the most important antecedents and consequences of organisational politics. What are some employee responses to organisational politics? Answer this question in 300 words.
2 Scenario: The case begins by outlining a scenario of Vice Presidents (VPs) reporting monthly sales when the president of the company throws a chair at a VP reporting low monthly sales results, starting: ‘Next time, I won’t miss.’ Consultant Lynn Taylor calls bosses like this ‘Terrible Office Tyrants’ or TOTs. Managers who can’t control their power when they’re placed under stress. Taylor provides 20 common traits characterising TOTs, including bragging and bullying. Taylor offers some concrete coping techniques for subordinates of TOTs including putting everything in writing and be a star performer.
According to some experts, the sort of behaviour recorded here is more prevalent in the business world than in the rest of society. Assuming this is true, why do you suppose that’s the case? Discuss your opinion in 300 words.
3 Discuss and analyse different types of teams that exist in organisation. Explain the factors responsible for building successful teams in contemporary organisations.
4 Analyse the basic assumptions of contingency theories of leadership. Discuss three key contingency theories. Answer this question in 300 words.
5 Explain the difference between organisation development (OD) and oragnisation change. Provide an example for each and discuss your answer in 300 words.
6 How does perception affect behaviour? What stereotypes do you form about people? Are they good or bad in your opinion? Answer this question in 300 words.
