SOLUTION: Social Psychology in Organisation | My Assignment Tutor

1BSc (Hons) Business ManagementAssignment Brief Module TitleSocial Psychology in OrganisationModule CreditValue20Module LevelFoundation Year (September 2020-Group 1)Module CodeLSME006Academic Year2020-2021LecturerHillary KoragekhaLearningOutcomesOn successful completion of this module, students will be able to:1. Understand how social psychology can help explain organisationalbehaviour.2. Use knowledge of social psychology theories to explain conflict, cooperation and decision-making in organisations.3. Analyse inter-group relationships concerning perceptions of inequality,fairness and discrimination.4. Use knowledge of social psychology to analyse contemporary issues inorganisational behaviour.Issue Date22/3/2021SubmissionDeadlineAssignment 1: Case Study 23-04-2021 4:00 PMAssignment 2: Essay 28-05-2021 4:00 PMSignature ofAssessorHillary Koragekha 2Module DescriptionModern-day management practice relies on an understanding of the causes of behaviour inthe workplace. There is a technical aspect to work, but it is important also to consider socialaspects. Social psychology theories can help explain specific workplace phenomena, such asthe behaviour of individuals, motivation and organisational culture, which can affect theefficiency and effectiveness of operations. In particular, process theories help explain whycertain phenomena occur while need theories help explain the extent to which individualswill participate and engage with tasks.Assessment TasksThere are TWO assignments to be completed in this module: Assignment 1 – (Case Study) 2000 words +/- 10%Total Weighting: 67%Intended Learning Outcomes: 1, 2 and 3 Assignment 2 – (Essay) 1000 words +/- 10%Total Weighting: 33%Intended Learning Outcomes: 4Assignment 1: (Case Study)Employer Expectations: A Case Study by Cenere et al. (2015); EY (2013) with slightmodifications by lecturers for the purpose of this module. Hence students should be awarethat not all the information may be factual.There is no question that business/health managers need to be able to prepare a businessplan and project management plan, accountants need to prepare financial statements, andthe public relations practitioners need to be able to prepare media releases. There are ‘hard’or technical skills required for these professions. However, business professionals also needto possess ‘soft skills’ to work effectively within the workplace. Soft skills are sometimesreferred to as transferable skills because individuals can take the skills with them not onlyfrom one job to another but also across industries and sectors or even professions or careers.So what are the soft skills required from a business professional is a question to ponder asyou read along with the case study.In the film Up In The Air (2009) George Clooney portrays the character Ryan Bingham, amiddle-aged ‘corporate downsizer’ and consummate business traveller. Ryan Bingham iscontent with his life, knows his job well and is reasonably good at it (he has been doing it formany years). He is set in his routine, and is wary of technology, even more so of young collegegraduates with big ideas but little experience.Natalie Keener (played by Anna Kendrick) is a young upstart fresh out of an Ivy Leagues Schoolleading a group of her kinds. She is smart, a bit immature and brimming with confidence. Sheis recruited by Ryan’s boss to implement the latest communication technology and improve3efficiency. The recruit leading a team and her technology will revolutionize Ryan’sorganization and forever change his world.Ryan does not like changes. Accordingly, he thinks that Keener and the members of her group,while enthusiastic, are brash, suffering from delusions of adequacy, inexperienced and out oftheir depth. Keener thinks Ryan and some members of his group, while hardworking, aredinosaurs living in an extinct world, slow to adapt to changes and inflexible, and that they lackthe diversity of skills needed to survive in today’s workplace.Up In The Air, while a fictional film, reflects the generational differences and conflicts manybusiness professionals encounter at work. A survey by Ernest and Young (2013) revealed thatperceived strengths and weaknesses of both employees and managers of each generationcould be instructive as companies work to manage, engage and strengthen the generationalmix effectively.Baby boomers. Members of the baby boomer generation scored high in being a ‘productive’part of an organization ‘ (69%), ‘ hardworking’ (73%) a team player (56%), nurturing others’development’ (55%), managing in challenging times (48%) and displaying leadership skills.Nevertheless, they lagged in areas such as being adaptable (10%), collaborative (20%), havingflexibility (21%), diversity (12%) and inclusive leadership (16%). The baby boomers are thebest educated generation yet to reach their sixties, although they have lower qualificationsthan succeeding generations. In general the generation is less sensitive to the current viewson discrimination, racial inequality and fairness within their organization. They are likely toperceive racial diversity in organisations as rather challenging and are more focused on theirretirement plans and worried about their finances.Generation X. Members of generation X were ranked as best among the generations for beingthe most productive part of an organization (73%), best equipped to manage teamseffectively (70%), a team player (65%), revenue generators (58%), problem solvers (57%) andfor possessing adaptability (49%) and collaboration (53%). This group is more tolerant of teammembers of different racial backgrounds.However, they lagged behind boomers at being cost-effective (34%) and executive presence(28%). This older employees have lower expectations of the leadership abilities of youngersupervisors.Generation Y. members of generation Y were ranked as best among generations for beingtech-savvy (78%), leveraging social media (70%), managing other Gen Ys (69%), enthusiastic(68%), adaptability (41%), entrepreneurial (29%) and having collaboration skills (27%). Theyalso did well at building culturally competent teams and being inclusive leaders. They are verysensitive to the issue of discrimination and fairness in the workplace.However, they lagged when it came to being a productive part of my organization (58%), ateam player (45%) and hardworking (39%). They also scored highest in 3 out of four negativetraits, such as being perceived as entitled and concerned primarily about individual promotion(68%).The findings by Ernest and Young reflect many of the negative stereotypes commonlyreported in the mass media, particularly concerning the different generational group Y.4Keys for the difference generationBaby boomers: it includes those born between the mid-1940 and the mid-1960s.Generation X: it includes those born between the late 1960s and the mid- 1970s.Generation Y: it includes the millennial generation of those born between the late 1970s andthe mid-to-late 1990s.Case Study References1. Ernest and Young Global Limited (EY)(2013). Young managers rise in the ranks: EYstudy on generational shifts in the US workplace. Ernest and Young Global Limited.Available at: https://globewomen.org/globaldiversity/wpcontent/uploads/2014/02/Twaronite.colloquium.pdf [accessed 03 March 2020]2. Cenere, P., Gill, C., Lawson, C., Lewis, M. (2015). Communication skills for businessprofessionals. Port Melbourne, Australia: Cambridge University Press.Assignment TaskBased on the reading of the case study,1.Demonstrate your understanding of how social psychology can help explain organisationalbehaviour in the context of the case study. [33 Marks]2.Analyse the potential conflicts, co-operation and decision-making in the generationalshifts observed in the organisation, using your knowledge of social psychology. [33Marks]3.Critically analyse the relationships between the different generations in the context oftheir perceptions of inequality, fairness and discrimination within the organisation.[34 Marks][Total: 100 Marks]Assignment 2 – Indicative Marking Criteria Assignment 1: Case StudyA: 80%+High FirstAn excellent answer will have the following attributes: An excellent application of how social psychology can help explainorganisational behaviour Excellent identification and use of knowledge of social psychologytheories to explain conflict, co-operation and decision-making inorganisations Excellent analysis of inter-group relationships regarding perceptions ofinequality, fairness and discrimination. Intensive reading of primary source drawing correct inferences Extensive reading of secondary sources to be able to substantiate orcontradict the arguments given in the source material 5  Exceptionally well-structured and well-presented report Full reference accurately in the Harvard style of referencing.A 70 – 79%First ClassAll components will have been submitted, and the remaining criteria will be asnoted for the 80%+ marking band. However, in one or two areas student maynot have demonstrated the skills as noted in band 80%+B 60 – 69 %Upper SecondThe answer in this band of marks will have the following attributes: A very good application of how social psychology can help explainorganisational behaviour. A very good identification and use of knowledge of social psychologytheories to explain conflict, co-operation and decision-making inorganisations A very good analysis of inter-group relationships regarding perceptionsof inequality, fairness and discrimination. Extensive reading of primary source drawing relevant inferences. Extensive reading of secondary sources to be able to substantiate orcontradict the arguments given in the source material A well-articulated and detailed argument with sound logic producing ageneralised summary. Full reference accurately in the Harvard style of referencing with someminor errors. A well-structured and coherent work written in correct English withsome minor errorsC 50 – 59%Lower Second All components will have been submitted, and the remaining criteriawill be as noted for the 60-69% marking band. However, there will besome gaps in knowledge and analysis.D 40 – 49%Third ClassThe answer in this band of marks will have the following attributes: Evidence of adequate application of how social psychology can helpexplain organisational behaviour. Limited identification and use of knowledge of social psychology theoriesto explain conflict, co-operation and decision-making in organisations A reasonable analysis of inter-group relationships regarding perceptionsof inequality, fairness and discrimination. Evidence of good but not in-depth reading of primary source. Able todrawing relevant inferences Limited reading of secondary sources to be able to substantiate orcontradict the arguments given in the source material Lacks in articulating the key arguments to produce a generalisedsummary and recommendation. Satisfactory data visualisation and academic report writing The work will have some noticeable errors in the English Language. References and citation of all the sources not includedF 30 – 39%FailThe answer in this band of marks will have the following attributes: 6  The work shows an insufficient level of application of how socialpsychology can help explain organisational behaviour A minimal identification and use of knowledge of social psychologytheories to explain conflict, co-operation and decision-making inorganisations An inadequate analysis of inter-group relationships regardingperceptions of inequality, fairness and discrimination Very limited reading comprehension of primary source Very limited evidence of reading of secondary sources Many mistakes in grammar or sentence construction. Underdeveloped academic style of report writing The references list not complete and not in the Harvard referencingF 0 – 29%Poor Fail Largely inaccurate or irrelevant application of how social psychologycan help explain organisational behaviour. No or little evidence of identification and knowledge of socialpsychology theories to explain conflict, co-operation and decisionmaking in organisations Structure very weak or lacking. Many mistakes in grammar or sentence construction Citations and bibliography are incorrect or missing. The work may be incomplete or too brief. Assignment 2 (Essay):Analyse contemporary issues in organisational behaviour using knowledge of socialpsychology.[100 Marks]Indicative Marking Criteria Assignment 2: EssayA: 80%+High FirstAn excellent answer will have the following attributes: An excellent analysis of the contemporary issues in organisationalbehaviour. An excellent examination of harnessing the values or diversity aiming atpromoting creativity in the organisation An excellent evaluation of ideas presenting coherent and persuasivearguments Excellent reading comprehension and academic writing Extensive reading of primary and secondary sources Exceptionally well-structured and well-presented report Full reference accurately in the Harvard style of referencing. 7 A 70 – 79%First ClassAll components will have been submitted, and the remaining criteria will be asnoted for the 80%+ marking band. However, in one or two areas student maynot have demonstrated the skills as noted in band 80%+B 60 – 69 %Upper SecondThe answer in this band of marks will have the following attributes: A very good analysis of the contemporary issues in organisationalbehaviour A very good examination of harnessing the values or diversity aiming atpromoting creativity in an organisation A very good evaluation of ideas presenting coherent and well-directedarguments Very good reading comprehension and academic writing Full reference accurately in the Harvard style of referencing with someminor errors. A well-structured and coherent work written in correct English withsome minor errorsC 50 – 59%Lower Second All components will have been submitted, and the remaining criteriawill be as noted for the 60-69% marking band. However, there will besome gaps in knowledge and analysis.D 40 – 49%Third ClassThe answer in this band of marks will have the following attributes: A satisfactory analysis of the contemporary issues in organisationalbehaviour. A limited examination of harnessing the values or diversity aiming atpromoting creativity in the organisation A satisfactory evaluation of ideas with a limited ability to developcoherent and well-directed arguments Satisfactory reading comprehension and academic writing The work will have some noticeable errors in the English Language. References and citation of all the sources not includedF 30 – 39%FailThe answer in this band of marks will have the following attributes: The work shows an insufficient level of analysis on the contemporaryissues in organisational behaviour Examination of harnessing the values or diversity aiming at promotingcreativity in the organisation does not demonstrate a sufficient level ofengagement with the subject matter. Inadequate evaluation of ideas to develop a well-directed argument. Minimal reading comprehension and academic writing Many mistakes in grammar or sentence construction. Underdeveloped academic style of writing The references list not complete and not in the Harvard referencingstyle.F 0 – 29%Poor Fail Largely inaccurate or irrelevant material with little or no evidence on thecontemporary issues in organisational behaviour 8  Misinterpretation or irrelevant explanation for harnessing the values ordiversity aiming at promoting creativity in organisation No or littleevidence of correctly interpreting or evaluating the case. Structure very weak or lacking. There are many mistakes in grammar or sentence construction. Citations and bibliography are incorrect or missing. The work may be incomplete or too brief Completing the tasksIn order to complete the Assignments 1 and 2, you will need to research different informationsources such as textbooks, journals, articles and the internet. You are also required to developskills in the analysis of information. Analysis requires you to critically examine differentaspects of a topic and identify relevant issues. Discussions with your peers and friends willalso help you to understand the relevant data analysis and presentation techniques that canbe applied to different perspectives of the collated data provided.Please Note: Make use of information on assignment preparation and command verb usagein your Moodle Platform.Helpful informationCore Texts Alcock, J., and Sadava, S. (2014). An Introduction to Social Psychology; Globaperspectives. London: Sage PublicationDe Cremer, D. (Ed.), van Dick, R. (Ed.), Murnighan, J. K. (Ed.), (2012), SocialPsychology and Organizations. Hove: Routledge.Furnham, A. (1997). The Psychology of Behaviour at Work: The Individual in theOrganisation. Hove: Psychology Press.Haslam, S. A. (2004), Psychology in Organizations: The Social Identity Approach.London: Sage PublicationsHaslam, S. (Ed.), Van Knippenberg D. (Ed.), Platow, M. (Ed.), Ellemers N. (2015),Social Identity at Work: Developing Theory for Organizational Practice. Hove:Psychology PressHogg, M., Vaughan, G. (2018). Social Psychology. Harlow: PearsonMyers, D., Abell, J., Sani, F. (2014). Social Psychology. Maidenhead: McGraw HillWatson, T. (2017), Sociology, Work and Organisations. Abingdon. Routledge Additional Texts1. Bektas, C. and Sohrabifard, N. (2013). Terms of organisational psychology, personalempowerment and team working: A case study. Procedia-Social and BehavioralSciences, 82(2013), 886-891.2. Guenter et al. (2016). When tasks conflicts become personal: the impact of perceivedteam performance. EPub, 47I,(5), 569-604. Available at:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1046496416667816 [Accessed 03 2020].3. Flood, F. (2017). Social psychology of organisations. In book: Global Encyclopedia ofPublic Administration, Public Policy, and Governance – Contribution: Social Psychologyof Organizations. New York: Springer International Publishing AG94. Hanaysha, J., and Tahir, P. (2015). Examining the effects of employee empowerment,teamwork, and employee training on job satisfaction. Procedia-Social and BehaviouralSciences, 219(2016), 272-282.5. Rast, D. E., Axtell, C. and McGlynn, S. (2016), (Re) Applying social psychology toorganizational work, well-being, and leadership. J Appl Soc Psychol, 46: 3–6. Availableat: http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/98481/3/Rast%20Axtell%20%26%20McGlynn%20-%20JASP%20Intro.pdf [Accessed 05 March 2020]Referencing your WorkReferences to relevant academic theory and research findings should be provided and citedappropriately using the Harvard system of referencing. Example of this referencing style is asfollows:Sillah, D. (2007). ‘Screening of TB in the Gambia’. Journal of Epidemiology, 1 (2), pp.34-56Author/s name and initials are listed first, followed by the year of publication in brackets. Thenthere is the title of the article and the journal where the article appears, which is in italics.Finally, state the volume and issue number (in brackets) along with the pages where the articlecan be located. Include at least two in-text citations and references in each assessmentcriterion. Further information on the Harvard System of referencing is on your MoodlePlatform.Note: Do not use Wikipedia as a source of reference.Academic MalpracticeYou are required to independently work on the tasks when preparing this assignment, andyou are reminded of the need to avoid the risk (intentionally or unintentionally) of committingacademic malpractice. In particular, presenting another learner’s work as yours or takinginformation from any sources without correctly acknowledging the source can constituteacademic malpractice. You are expected to submit your work using the Turnitin software thatis provided by the school. Please note that your work may be subject to penalties and/orcancellation if academic malpractice has taken place. The Turnitin similarity report canhighlight where academic sources have not been referenced appropriately/effectively, andthis could result in a concern being highlighted around possible plagiarism (one form ofacademic malpractice where sources have been used without proper acknowledgement).Make sure you read over your work carefully and ensure that all sources of information havebeen acknowledged to avoid any untoward investigations that would result in a delay in yourachievement of the module. Further information on academic malpractice (includingplagiarism) and potential consequences are available in your student handbooks.PresentationPresent a document with a word count of 2000 words (+/- 10%) (Assignment 1) and 1000words (+/- 10%) (Assignment 2) excluding references, bibliography, images, diagrams, tableand appendices. The word count should be stated in the assignment cover sheet and pleasenote you will be penalised for exceeding the word limit. Work must be submitted in a folder,word-processed in a suitable format of 12-point font, 1.5-line spacing and pages numbered.10SubmissionWhen submitting your assignment, you must include: An Assignment Submission Sheet/ Assignment Front CoverOther documents required by your lecturer as evidence of achievement.All assignments should be submitted via Turnitin Submission deadlines must be strictly observed. Therefore, disciplined time management isessential when producing this assignment. Failure to meet deadlines will be considered as afailure by non-submission. You will only have the opportunity for one resubmission of adifferent assignment. Refer to the Student Handbook for more information.End of Assignment Brief