Task:
As this is a group assignment, you will be placed in teams of minimum three and maximum four members in week two of the session. In this assignment your task is to analyse and apply relevant OB theories to an English language movie that reflects groups and teams in a work context.
Examples of movies that you may wish to use for this assignment are:
The Social Network,
Employee of the Month (2006);
Made in Dagenham (2010);
Office Space (1999);
Rogue Trader (1999);
Dirty Pretty Things (2002).
If you wish to use a different movie, your group will need to advise the lecturer of this.
Movies do not have the entertainment value only. They can be use watched, analysed and used within an organisational context.
The tasks of this assignment are as follows:
-Introduce the characteristics of the group in the movie based on the relevant OB concepts, such as size, purpose, context, group norms and roles;
-Discuss and analyse the maintenance of the group;
-Discuss and analyse the group task performance;
-Evaluate the overall efficiency of the group in terms of the communication, leadership and decision making; and
-Propose recommendations for improving the success of the group.
Make sure to apply relevant theoretical models and research findings from quality academic sources that support your argument. Critically analysethe utility or limitations of specific OB theories pertaining to groups, teams and teamwork drawing on examples from the film. Your answer should not only explicitly show an understanding for the theory under study, but also demonstrate a critical reflection on the theory and practice of teams and teamwork in an organisational context.
Rationale
In today's highly competitive environment, organisations can achieve their goals only though the combined efforts of everybody involved in the organisation. This assignment provides students with an opportunity to build their teamwork skills, as well as to independently research, analyse and apply the theories relevant for groups and teams.
The learning outcomes of this assessment are :
• be able to assess the role of work teams and groups in an organisation and recommend strategies to manage performance of teams and groups; and
• be able to assess effective practices of an organisation, identify key issues and formulate and apply appropriate managerial strategies for enhancing the performance of an organisation and its people.