$**1.$ Case Details$**$

$**$Key Person:$**$ You $($Team Lead$)$

$**$Position:$**$ Team Lead

$**$Other People:$**$

$-$ Jake $($Technical Expert$)$

$-$ Sandy $($Team Member$)$

$-$ Beth $($Team Member$)$

$-$ Two other team members $($not specified by name$)$

$**$What:$**$ The team is working on a significant project nearing the delivery deadline. Jake, the technical expert, has been struggling with deadlines and making inappropriate comments. Sandy is frustrated with Jake, and Beth has been absent from recent meetings, possibly due to a heated discussion with Jake.

$**$Why:$**$ The project is under time pressure, and concerns about Jake's performance, communication, and potential conflict with Beth are affecting team dynamics and the project's success.

$**2.$ Brief Case Summary$**$

As the team lead for a critical project, issues have emerged with Jake's performance, communication style, and inappropriate comments. Sandy is frustrated, and Beth's absence$,$ potentially due to a conflict with Jake, adds to the team's challenges. The impending deadline intensifies concerns about the team's ability to complete the project successfully.

$**3.$ Identify three primary issues and related OB concepts$**$

$**$Issue $1$: Lack of Collaboration and Communication$**$

$-*$Concept:$*$ Effective communication and collaboration $($Robbins & Judge, $2019).$

$**$Issue $2$: Gender Bias and Stereotyping$**$

$-*$Concept:$*$ Diversity and inclusivity in the workplace $($Cox & Blake, $1991).$

$**$Issue $3$: Conflict and Psychological Safety$**$

$-*$Concept:$*$ Conflict management and psychological safety within teams $($Edmondson$,1999).$

$**4.$ Identify three primary Internal & External Factors$**$

$**$Internal Factors:$**$

$1.$ Team dynamics and communication.

$2.$ Individual competencies and expertise.

$3.$ Leadership and management.

$**$External Factors:$**$

$1.$ Time constraints and project deadline.

$2.$ Organizational culture and support.

$3.$ Market and competitive pressures.

$**5.$ Alternatives to Solve Issues$**$

$**$Option $1$: Implement Regular Team Communication Channels$**$

$-*$Pros:$*$ Promotes open communication, facilitates information sharing.

$-*$Cons:$*$ May require additional time and resistance from team members.

$**$Option $2$: Conduct Team Building Activities$**$

$-*$Pros:$*$ Improves team dynamics, enhances trust.

$-*$Cons:$*$ Takes time away from project work, effectiveness depends on willingness.

$**$Option $3$: Diversity and Inclusion Training$**$

$-*$Pros:$*$ Raises awareness about biases, fosters inclusivity.

$-*$Cons:$*$ Requires commitment from team members, effectiveness varies.

$**6.$ Criteria & Assessment$**$

Options $|$ Qualitative $|$ Quantitative $|$ Qualitative or Quantitative

$--------|-------------|--------------|---------------------------$

Option $1|$ Improved team cohesion and understanding $|$ Decrease in miscommunication incidents $|$ Enhanced problem$-$solving efficiency

Option $2|$ Increased team trust and morale $|$ Potential reduction in stress$-$related absenteeism $|$ Improved inter$-$team relationships

Option $3|$ Heightened awareness of biases $|$ Increase in gender$-$diverse collaborations $|$ Enhanced team cohesion

$**7.$ Analyze and Explain Preferred Alternative$**$

The preferred alternative is $**$Option $3$: Diversity and Inclusion Training$**.$ This option aligns with organizational behavior concepts of addressing biases and fostering inclusivity $($Robbins & Judge, $2019).$ Diversity training can create a more inclusive environment, improve interactions, and reduce conflicts, positively impacting team cohesion $($Cox & Blake, $1991).$ It addresses both communication issues and gender bias, contributing to a more positive team culture.

$**8.$ Action and Implementation Plan$**$

$**$Who:$**$ Team lead, HR representative, selected training provider

$**$What:$**$ Conduct diversity and inclusion training

$**$When:$**$ Week $1-2$

$**$Where:$**$ Virtual training session

$**$How:$**$ Collaborate with a training provider to customize content based on team needs. Communicate the importance of the training to the team, ensuring active participation.

$**9.$ Additional Considerations$**$

Continuous monitoring and feedback collection are crucial for the success of the diversity training. Regular check$-$ins and team discussions can gauge the impact of the training on team dynamics.

$**10.$ References$**$

Robbins, S$.$ P$.,$ & Judge, T$.$ A$.(2019).*$Organizational behavior$*(18$th ed$.).$ Pearson.

Cox, T$.,$ & Blake, S$.(1991).$ Managing cultural diversity: Implications for organizational competitiveness. $*$Academy of Management Executive, $5*(3),45-56.$