Assessment #2 – Reflective report

Assessment Instructions:

Consider an organisation or group to which you belong. It is preferable to select a group within a workplace but if you do not work then choose one that exists within the university or a social or voluntary group in which you are a member. It is important to choose a group where you and other members work together regularly. Analyse the influence of specific factors in terms of the interpersonal communication within the group. For example, you may wish to consider the influence of:

*The perceived emotions, relationships and personality of group members

*Disability issues among members

*Culture

*Generational issues

*Conflict matters

Depending on the context you decide to analyse, you may choose whether to focus on one or more of the factors presented above. The context will determine how many of the diversity issues you select.

Clearly, if you choose to focus on one issue then you will be expected to have developed more of an in-depth understanding in that area than if you select multiple factors from the list provided. Analyse the impact of the factors you choose from the list (culture, age, or individual factors such as emotions, relationships, conflict, for example) on the communication that occurs within the group. You may also include any organisational or management policies or practices that affect interpersonal communication in the workplace and amongst group members. Finally, suggest how individuals or the organisation, including yourself, might contribute to improving communication, paying special attention to the factors stated. You may use first (I) person or third person where appropriate to do so.

Write a reflective report using the following headings:

Title: Reflective Report

Introduction: Indicate whether you intend to refer to one or all of the factors above in your reflective report. Provide background information on the context. For example, explain what kind of organisation it is and the work that brings your group of individuals together. You may wish to briefly describe each individual, their role at work and then the name you have chosen for them (a pseudonym). DO NOT REVEAL THE TRUE IDENTITY OF THE ORGANISATION OR ANY EMPLOYEES.

Analysis: Consider each of the factors identified in turn, or if you have opted for only one, then address each aspect of that factor. If you were considering culture for example, you may want to include paragraphs that relate to high/low context culture, individualism/collectivism or power distance or other aspects of cultural theory that seem relevant. Analyse how your chosen factors (gender, age, culture and individual characteristics, etc.) affect interpersonal communication in the group or organisation. Are there any organisational policies or practices that influence the impact and nature of these factors on the communication? If you are a direct participant, include reflective observations about how any of the listed factors are relevant to your own communication in the analysis. You MUST draw upon academic literature to support your observations and analysis. While you may describe an incident or behaviour for example, you need to support your analysis of what is happening and why with the literature (that is, referencing).

Conclusion and Recommendations: Summarise the main issues raised in your analysis, provide an overview of the nature and quality of the communication you observed suggesting those aspects of the communication that worked well and those that were problematic. Make recommendations on how communication with the group (and organisation) might be better managed. Your recommendations must be supported by literature – to strengthen their credibility. You will need to have a rationale (justification) for your recommendations too. E.g. explain why you suggest them. Indicate if there are any limitations that may make it challenging to implement your recommendations.

Reference List (or References): UniSA Harvard referencing style, thoroughly and correctly used; minimum 10 references. These references, not including your textbook, must be selected from academic, reputable sources to support your work such as peer reviewed journal articles, textbooks and research books.

Please do not cite course ppt slides as a source.

Assessment Criteria:

1.The paper contains appropriate information consistent with assessment instructions (25%)

2.The analysis is written by drawing upon well argued points conveyed in a clear, logical manner supported by academic literature (45%)

3.Correctly edited in terms of English grammar and spelling (15%)

4.Referencing using the UniSA version of the Harvard style (15%).