NO PLAGIARISM, PLEASE. I WILL CHECK WITH SOFTWARE. Introduction and Learning Materials PLS READ THIS INTRODUCTION SO YOU’LL KNOW WHERE WE ARE COMING FROM AS YOU SET TO WORK ON THE ASSIGNMENT. This week we will look at the third of the five conditions that set the stage for a great team performance. This condition is an enabling structure. Hackman explains that he has found three common mistakes made by managers when structuring a team. These mistakes relate to the size of the team, the make-up of the team with individuals who are too much alike, and the assumption that everyone knows how to work effectively as a member of a team. As you consider this week’s materials, you should think about how a manager can structure a team and its work to create that perfect balance of team cohesion and group norms without sacrificing productive conflict that enhances critical thinking and group learning (as opposed to harmonious but potentially dangerous “group think.”) Finally, you should also think about team structure in a virtual environment, since many work teams are geographically disbursed and work exclusively or mostly in a virtual environment. THESE ARE THE MATERIALS YOU MUST READ AND WATCH TO USE IN ANSWERING THE BELOW QUESTIONS. PLS USE THESE MATERIALS. THANKSWeek 4 Learning Materials: 2. Watch the short video embedded below and located at this link: http://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_dare_to_disagree.html (12:56)3. Listen to the news story by David Kestenbaum of National Public Radio about the 20th Anniversary of the Challenger Shuttle Tragedy located at this link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5174355 (3:54)4. Read the article titled “Challenger: Reporting a Disaster’s Cold, Hard Facts” by Howard Berkes and located at this link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5175151 This assignment has 2 parts. The first part is a discussion which requires at least 300 words post and the second part is an homework which contains 2 questions and which must be answered using the materials from the pdf and links attached above. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ASSIGNMENT Section 1: Week 4 Discussion Board In your learning materials for this week, you will read (and listen) to the kinds of problems that can result when a team or group begins to operate so harmoniously that the individuals either fail or refuse to consider evidence that is contrary to the assumptions of the group as a whole. Other problems may result from teams that are too large or that include members who are incapable of working productively in a team environment. Additional problems may result from a team that fails to maintain an outward focus — fails to scan the external environment for evidence that change is happening or is needed. For this week’s discussion, please find an article or report that illustrates a team that functioned poorly or failed due to one or more of these structural concerns. Summarize the nature of the team, a description of the structural problem, and the result that ensued. Post a link to the resource you found, if possible. You may use an experience personal to you if you believe that it fits this assignment and that you can provide an objective analysis of the circumstances. Your post should be at least 300 words. Post a thoughtful, substantive reply to at least two other students. SECTION 2: Week 4 Homework 1. As companies and organizations expand globally, many working teams include members who are geographically dispersed — located in different cities, states and even countries. Assume that you have been assigned the task of developing a virtual team where the team members are each in a different location. How might you organize, manage, and support this team so that it is successful despite the geographic spread of its members? Identify at least three concrete, specific things that you would do to make your team as effective and successful as possible. 2. Consider the case scenario attached below titled: The Notorious Business Professor. Write an essay of at least 300 words explaining what you would say to Steve and what you would do in this situation and why. The Notorious Business Professor.pdf (the pdf is attached to this assignment post)
