Improving Organisational Communication and Teamwork

Human Resources Management

References

• Bakker, A. B., & de Vries, J. D. (2021). Job Demands–Resources Theory and Remote Work: Exploring the Role of Leadership and Communication. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 730293. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.730293

• Chowdhury, S., Paul, J., & Das, S. (2023). Employee Morale and Engagement in Hybrid Work Environments: HR Challenges and Solutions. Human Resource Management Review, 33(1), 100885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2022.100885

• Kakkar, H., & Tangirala, S. (2020). Employee Voice and Leadership Communication: The Key to Organisational Resilience. Academy of Management Journal, 63(5), 1495–1522. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2018.0545

• Purwanto, A., Asbari, M., & Fahlevi, M. (2020). Impact of Leadership, Communication, and Work Motivation on Team Effectiveness During Remote Working. International Journal of Social and Management Studies, 1(1), 76–88. https://doi.org/10.31763/ijomas.v1i1.24

• Van der Lippe, T., & Lippényi, Z. (2020). Beyond Formal Policies: The Influence of Leadership and Culture on Flexible Work Practices. Social Indicators Research, 151(2), 451–470. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-020-02357-1

Assignment Scenario

A medium-sized local company, Century Ltd, has recently become aware of increasing problems with staff. The company leadership has expressed growing concern about how these internal issues are beginning to affect overall business performance and employee satisfaction. They have noticed an increase in absenteeism, staff turnover as well as poor morale and a reduction in sales.
Such challenges often reflect deeper cultural or managerial issues that need structured human resource interventions to restore workplace balance and productivity.

You have been asked to prepare information that will support the improvement of HR management within the organisation. It is essential that your recommendations are evidence-based and align with best practices in human resource development.

Your work will draw on your understanding of workplace practices and procedures and their impacts on the workforce. To make your analysis meaningful, include examples of how similar organisations have addressed comparable challenges through effective HR strategies. You will need to research human resource practices in organisations.

You may wish to use an organisation that you know well, for example, where you have been or are currently employed or where you work in a voluntary capacity. Real-world experiences can offer valuable insight into how theory applies in practice. Or you may be able to gather some information through a workplace visit or research using company reports, press releases and company websites, for example.
Such an approach strengthens your report by providing practical and authentic evidence to support your conclusions.

Task 1

You have been asked to produce a guide for managers about effective communication practices in organisations. It is important that the guide is practical, engaging, and based on contemporary organisational needs. Your guide should:

• Analyse the benefits of effective communication to organisations

• Explain the implications of legislation, policies and procedures relevant to communication within organisations

• Assess how the organisational structure impacts on organisational communication

Effective communication can reduce misunderstandings, improve team cohesion, and foster a culture of transparency. Your explanations of policies and procedures should draw on actual policies and procedures from organisations and you should use examples throughout to illustrate your explanations and analyses. You may reference specific cases where clear communication strategies improved performance outcomes.

Your assessment of the impact of organisational structure must include a brief description of different types of structure. Discussing how hierarchical versus flat structures influence the flow of communication can help demonstrate this point.

Extension activities

To achieve a Merit, you must also include in your report an assessment of the impact new technologies have on organisations’ communication practices. Digital platforms and collaboration tools have transformed how teams interact and share information globally, which must be reflected in your evaluation.

Task 2

The organisation uses both team working and remote working and is trying to improve the effectiveness of both ways of working. The management seeks to understand the dynamics and challenges of hybrid work models more comprehensively. You are asked to write a report about the two ways of working. Your report should:

• Assess the benefits of team working to individuals and organisations

• Analyse why teams might fail to meet their objectives

• Analyse the implications of remote working for individuals including issues and impact on working practices

• Assess the effectiveness of different leadership styles for remote working

Teamwork enhances collaboration and innovation but can also be hindered by poor communication or leadership mismatches. You should explain Tuckman’s model of team development and how this may explain some factors relating to why teams fail. Consider integrating real-world organisational examples that demonstrate how teams evolve through Tuckman’s stages. You should use examples to illustrate your answer.

Extension activities

To achieve a Merit, your report must also assess the potential impact of different leadership styles on teamwork. Leaders play a crucial role in motivating teams, particularly when navigating conflict or change.

To achieve Distinction, your report must also evaluate the use and effectiveness of teamwork in a specific organisation that you know or have researched. Providing measurable outcomes or performance indicators will enhance your argument.

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria
LO2 AC 2.1, 2.2, 2M1, 2D1
LO3 AC 3.1, 3.2

Task 3

You are asked to prepare a presentation and accompanying handout on how organisations support and monitor people in the workplace. A strong focus should be placed on aligning HR monitoring systems with employee wellbeing initiatives. Your presentation must explain how HR departments provide support and monitor people within the workplace. You should include a description of the policies, procedures and legislation designed to support people in the workplace.

Modern HR departments use data analytics, engagement surveys, and continuous feedback systems to ensure accountability and fair treatment. Your handout should assess policies and procedures designed to support and monitor people in the workplace.

Extension activities

To achieve a Distinction, your handout must evaluate the impact of legislation on employee relations management in different organisational contexts. Legislative compliance is central to sustaining healthy labour relations and maintaining ethical management practices.