Description
1) select ANY organization; 2) identify a contact within that organization that can remain the contact throughout the semester; and 3) seek the answers to four journal entry questions, asked of the contact person.
THE REPORT CONSISTS OF THREE PARTS: 1. introductory page; 2. journal entry questions; 3.conclusion.
- The introductory page describes:
The organization (industry, size, location, and age)
Your contact person (position, responsibilities, and mode of communication) - The entry questions must be from FOUR DIFFERENT topics: 1)Values, Attitudes, & Job Satisfaction; 2)Communication; 3)Power, Politics, & Ethics; 4)Conflict & Stress; 5) Decision Making; Or 6)Groups & Teamwork
Each entry must have THREE parts. Those are:1.)Questions asked of the organizational contact. 2.)Answer/Response provided by the organizational contact 3.)Your Reaction (analyzed critique) of the Answer. - The conclusion should: Summarize your overall journal experience (pros, cons, and general lessons learned from the process)
There is an example of an entry:
Question: What makes your workgroup cohesive? Does anything positive come out of this cohesion?
Answer/Response: I think we are lucky in the workgroup that we have. I think the key ingredient in our cohesiveness is that we all get along really well and are similar in many respects. I think there are a few positives that come from this. First of all, we consider ourselves friends which allows us to have mutual respect for one another. Also, I think we are very productive b/c we get along so well. It is easier to help those you get along with.
Reaction (analyzed critique): As the text stated, having similarities allows a group to be more cohesive which makes sense since this means that the workers have something in common other than working for the same company. When you are friends with the people you are working with, you want to perform better and not let them down since you care what they think of you. The text also stated that more cohesive groups lead to higher participation, more conformity and more success. Wendy’s description of her workgroup sounds as if these effects are occurring. She is lucky to work with people she enjoys; this has to increase her job satisfaction. Cohesion is something that is hard to force on a group. It either forms or it doesn’t which is scary since it is something that is so important and yet, very hard to control.