Week 5 ****Only for Suraya****

Readings Read the following chapters in  Group Behavior in Organizations:

1. Chapter 9: Leadership

2. Chapter 10: Group Cooperation and Conflict 

Discussions To participate in the following discussions, go to this week's Discussion link in the left navigation.

1. Leadership   In a group environment, should leaders be assigned at the beginning of a project or should leaders emerge as the group is working on the project? Outline the positives and negatives of each approach. Is there a particular type of group that uses a particular leadership approach? Why do you think this is the case? Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.   

2. Conflict and Competition   Discuss whether intergroup conflict and intergroup competition are the same or different. Provide examples to support your position. What strategies can a leader use to ensure that there are positive results from the conflict or competition? Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.

Final Paper To complete the following assignment, go to this week's Final Paper link in the left navigation. 

Focus of the Final Paper In Week One, you will choose a generic organization (manufacturing plant, hospital, etc.).  Assume that you are a hired consultant for this organization.  You have been asked by the president of the organization to prepare a background paper on the results of your research and to make recommendations to improve group productivity in the organization.

Your research has identified the following problems:

1. Role conflicts within groups

2. Communication problems among group members

3. Lack of cohesiveness in groups with diverse members

4. Excessive intergroup conflict

In an eight to ten-page paper, include the following:

1. Introduction - clear explanation of the type of organization

2. Explanation of how each problem could impact a group’s productivity (use examples to illustrate points)

3. Recommendations to resolve each problem

4. Suggestions, based on your knowledge of group dynamics, for a company-wide training program on best practices for group productivity

5. Conclusion/Summary

Writing the Final Paper The Final Paper:

1. Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

2. Must include a title page with the following:

· Title of paper

· Student’s name

· Course name and number

· Instructor’s name

· Date submitted

3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.

4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.

5. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.

6. Must use at least six scholarly sources.

7. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.