Learner name Andrea Cater
Learner registration number
Note: Learners must satisfy all the assessment criteria by achieving at least 50% of the marks available for each criterion.
The ‘lines/box’ below a question is for guidance purposes only. Marks are not deducted for writing more. It is perfectly acceptable for all answers to be continued on additional forms provided they are attached to the assignment when making a submission. The availability of the form electronically allows learners to expand the ‘lines/box’ as required.
UNDERSTAND THE ORGANISATION’S REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO TEAM PERFORMANCE
1. Explain why clear and effective communication is essential in the workplace
In a workplace environment, having effective communication is essential for a number of reasons. Each workplace or service area will have defined goals, which need to be understood by teams and individuals. Having good lines of communication is also essential for management to be able to give and receive feedback/feedup. There are also health and safety reasons for good communication. If some hazard or damaged area/equipment has not been communicated, this could easily harm the next person to come into contact with it. Should there be poor communication, mis-information (whispers) can be the result, which can then have a detrimental effect on output of performance.
2. a) List the key stages in the communication process
Formulation of the message. This needs to be written/said in the format that the recipient will understand.
Choose the right means of sending the message. E.g. is an email required so it can be auditable, or would a poster be more suitable.
Send the message, ensuring it is timely.
Recipient then translates this message.
This message is then acted upon.
b) List the barriers and state how they can be overcome
Here are some of the barriers in relation to communication. Forgetfulness, knowledge of subject, age, lack of training, unwillingness to listen, attitude of the sender/recipient, language barriers. Most of these barriers can be overcome with actions such as careful consideration of subject/recipients/methods. These can also be overcome by increasing the rapport with the recipients. Also, checking the message has been received by asking questions of the recipient can also assist in checking these barriers have not been present.
3. List potential internal or external reasons or factors for change in the workplace External factors are Political/Public/Private, Economic, Social and Technical.
Internal factors are Culture, Habits, Attitudes and Tradition
4. Explain team members possible attitudes and responses to change at work
It can be said that change will either galvanise or divide people. This is a very true representation of the possible attitudes and responses. If people galvanise to change, they are generally positive and this can be displayed with attributes such as increased moral, enthusiasm, pride, generally happy environment and willingness to co-operate. Those that are divided will tend to display negative responses such as increased sickness/absence, poor performance, lower moral, increasing conflict, quiet/reclusive teams.
5. List potential barriers to change in the workplace and state how they could be overcome
Some of the barriers to change are money, political influence, regulation, cultural differences, time constraints, lack of training poor communications, attitudes of staff, unknown risks. In order to overcome these a number of approaches can be taken, such as ensuring clear goals have been set out at the beginning. Also, being clear and transparent about progress of the change. Ensuring that a plan/change process has been developed and critically this has involved staff input, get their involvement and buy-in.
6. List potential benefits of change on the workplace
There are a number of benefits to change such