Assignment
Discussion Question 1: What are the six planning tools and techniques? Using an example from your experience (as a student or at work), describe how you could use one of the techniques or tools to improve planning in your future. You may choose to apply your response to a specific goal in answering this question.
Discussion Question 2
The two segments of the organization's environment are general and specific. Using an organization for which you are familiar, identify the factors that operate in each. Why is it important to understand an organization's environment?
Discussion Question 3
Compare how the United States differs from another country of your choice on Hofstede's dimensions of culture. Explain how your knowledge of these differences would influence you as a global manager if you were doing business internationally.
Discussion Question 4
Motivational theory applications argue for recognizing individual differences. They also suggest paying attention to members of diverse groups. Is this a contradiction? Why or why not? Compare and contrast two motivational theories (one content and one process theory) regarding how they can support diversity within teams.
Discussion Question 5
Visit the following websites and complete the self-assessments:
1. Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire:
2. Wiley Schermerhorn: Management: Take the "Emotional Intelligence," "Terminal Values," and "Instrumental Values" assessments.
3. Jung Typology Test:
Name one significant lesson that you discovered about your learning style, emotional intelligence, and personality by taking these assessments. Using this information, what step(s) do you plan to take to become a more effective manager?
Discussion Question 6
Why are ethical behavior, social responsibility, and sustainability an important focus of corporate governance? Why do you believe some managers embrace this while others resist? What is the virtuous circle of corporate social responsibility? Identify an organization that has successfully embodied this platform.
Discussion Question 7
What are team norms, and what role do they play in behavior and cohesiveness of the group? How does the diversity of a group affect its performance?
Discussion Question 8
As a team goes through Tuckman's five stages of team development, what impact does this have on the three characteristics of effective teams? Provide examples to support your response.
Discussion Question 9
What are examples of effective techniques for team decision making? What are examples of strategies for avoiding potential liabilities in team decision making (e.g., groupthink)?
Discussion Question 10
What role does effective interpersonal communication play within organizations?
Discussion Question 11
Using a practical example, what are the benefits and potential problems associated with conflict? What are examples of strategies that can be applied for resolving conflict?
Discussion Question 12
What is negotiation? What are the common negotiation pitfalls? What are the strategies to overcome them?
Discussion Question 13
Explain power bases. How does one build power within an organization? How are power and politics related within an organization?
Discussion Question 14
Discuss a time when you have been a good follower. What did it entail? What theory most applied to the dynamic of your role as a good follower?
Discussion Question 15
It has long been a dictum of management theory that leaders must adapt their behavior to fit the specifics of a situation. Discuss whether transformational leadership is appropriate for all occasions. In which situations might it not be effective? Which theories might be effective instead?
Discussion Question 16
In what ways does human resource management process align human capital with organizational strategies?
Discussion Question 17
In what ways are the HR function and governmental legislation designed to protect against employee discrimination? Provide specific examples of U.S laws in place to protect against employee discrimination.
Discussion Question 18
How does an individual's faith or worldview inform personal management practices?
Discussion Question 19
Identify the formal structure of an organization. Using an organization of your choice as an example, how is the organization's structure and design a reflection of its environment, goals, and competencies?
Discussion Question 20
Identify the formal structure of an organization. Using an organization of your choice as an example, how is the organization's structure and design a reflection of its environment, goals, and competencies?
Discussion Question 21
Using an organization with which you are familiar, identify ways through which feedforward, concurrent, and feedback controls can be used to assure the high quality of a final outcome. How do these controls lead to effective management?