week 1
Symbols of culture are called artifacts. Artifacts are the most visible and accessible level of culture. These include behaviors, stories, rituals (everyday practices that are repeated frequently), and symbols (e.g., company logos, company colors). For example, the president of a company volunteering at Habitat for Humanity is an artifact of culture. An example of symbols as an artifact of culture is Ashford University- shield that serves as our logo and is printed on transcripts, diplomas and letterhead paper. Submit a two- to three-page paper (excluding the title and reference pages) describing the culture of either your current or past place of employment.
Your paper should provide examples of and address each of the following topics: a. Observable artifacts b. Espoused values (These are what organizational members say they value, like ethical practice.) c. Enacted values (These are reflected in the way individuals actually behave.) In addition, describe how each item listed above impacts the values and culture of the organization.
Your paper must use a minimum of two scholarly sources, in addition to the textbook. Your paper must also follow the APA Style guide.
Kinder Morgan Chicago Liquid Terminals
week 2
HR Performance Issues and Motivation The relationship between the organization and its members can be greatly influenced by what motivates individuals to work. The style of leadership, job design, resources on the job, and environment can all have a significant effect on the satisfaction of employees and their performance. Performance is also influenced by individual motivations (e.g., social, recognition, financial reward, personal growth and development, and/or intrinsic satisfaction) and can equally impact the organization. There are many theories that attempt to explain the nature of motivation. Write a four- to five-page paper (excluding the title and reference pages) evaluating the relationship between motivation, job satisfaction, and work performance. Be sure to address the following: a. Describe a performance issue which resulted from a motivational problem (what, why, who). b. Use a content theory of motivation (e.g., Maslow, Alderfer, Herzberg, or McClelland) or a process theory (i.e., Adams, Locke, or Heider and Kelley) to explain how the issue creates a performance problem for the organization. c. Use the theory of motivation you selected to describe an intervention/action to change the motivation/behavior and correct the performance problem. Your paper must use a minimum of three scholarly sources, in addition to the textbook. Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
week 3
Week 3 Assignment - Conflict Identification and Resolution We live in a very complex and culturally diverse society. When we bring individuals together from diverse backgrounds in a work environment conflict can arise when expectations are not realized or met. Rather than hoping conflict will go away, this paper will explore and identify the reasons for conflict and how to successfully address them in a team environment.
Write a four- to five-page paper (excluding title and reference pages) assessing the components of conflict. The following need to be addressed within your paper: a. Describe a conflict within an organization or team with which you are familiar. b. Identify and describe the source(s) and level of the conflict and support with evidence. c. Describe the steps taken to resolve the conflict or, if it is an ongoing conflict, propose steps to resolve the conflict. d. Describe a minimum of three conflict outcomes that could reasonably occur as a result of the conflict resolution. Support your reasoning for each possible outcome. Your paper must use a minimum of three scholarly sources, in addition to the textbook; your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
week 4
Week 4 Assignment - Business Ethics Robert Nardelli was heavily criticized for his leadership style and methods he used during his tenure as CEO of Home Depot. Using your readings for this week, along with outside research, describe his style of leadership and take a position on whether you think his actions rose to the level of being unethical.
Write a three- to four-page paper (excluding the title and reference pages) addressing the following in your paper: a. Clearly describe Robert Nardelli- leadership style in terms of Leadership Theory, incorporating the following theories within your paper: o Trait Theory o Behavioral Theory o Situational and Contingency Theories b. State whether his actions were ethical or unethical. c. Cite the text material and research that support your position. Your paper must use a minimum of three scholarly sources, in addition to the textbook. Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
week 5
Understanding and Coping with Change Change is everywhere, yet very few people seem to embrace the concept. We are, for the most part, creatures of habit and follow daily routines. When change occurs, our activities and thought patterns are disrupted.
Write a four- to five-page APA formatted paper (excluding the title and reference pages), using a minimum of three scholarly sources in addition to the textbook, analyzing the internal and external factors contributing to an individual- resistance to change.
Describe a situation where you or someone you know was resistant to change as identified in one of following areas: a. Self-interest b. Lack of understanding c. Lack of trust in management d. Differing assessments of the need for change e. Low tolerance for change Explain whether the resistance to change was caused by an internal or external factor. Using Kotter- theory for change, provide a plan for overcoming that resistance. What will be done and how will you know that the plan has worked? If possible can you please use more than 3 scholarly sources. Thanks
week 6
Organizational Behavior Analysis
In this assignment you will analyze the organizational behavior of your current or former employer. Describe how the following areas influence the organizational behavior in a negative or positive manner:
Type of culture (Pluralism, Dualism or Salad bowl) Modes of communication in the organization (i.e., written or verbal) Nature of authority (i.e., recognized social rank) Motivational techniques (e.g. intrinsic or extrinsic used to influence productivity and performance) Areas of EQ (emotional quotient) embraced by the organization Virtual elements (i.e., teleworking and virtual offices)
Provide examples for each item listed above and discuss how each example applies to the organization identified. Your paper must be eight to ten pages in length and use a minimum of four scholarly sources, in addition to the textbook. Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center
Writing the Final Paper The Final Paper:
Must be eight-to-ten double-spaced pages in length (not including the title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a title page with the following: Title of paper Student- name Course name and number Instructor- name Date submitted Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement. Must include abstract Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought. Must use headers Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis. Must document a minimum of four scholarly sources, in addition to the textbook, in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
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