Activities

$2\mathrm{.}1$ Reaching Group Decisions: Majority, Consensus, or What? $($L$.$O$.1)$

YOUR TASK In small groups decide which decision strategy is best for the following situations:

a$.$ A logistics company needs to identify a more central, less expensive location for a distribution center.

b$.$ A team of $15$ employees must decide whether to choose the iPad or an Android tablet for their new equipment. Some team members dislike Apple's closed system and prefer the more open Android platform. However, Apple offers more apps.

c$.$ Company employees numbering over $900$ must decide whether to adopt a floating holiday plan proposed by management or stay with the current plan. A yes$-$or$-$no vote is required.

d$.$ The owner of your company is meeting with all managers to decide which departments will be allowed to move into a new facility.

e$.$ Appointed by management, an employee team is charged with making recommendations regarding casual Fridays. Management feels that too many employees are abusing the privilege.

f$.$ Members of a business club must decide which members will become officers.

g$.$ A group of town officials and volunteers must decide how to organize a town website and social media presence. Only a few members have technical expertise.

h$.$ An employee committee of three members $($two supervisors and the manager$)$ must decide on promotions within a department.

$2\mathrm{.}2$ Resolving Worktate Conticts. Apply a Plan $($L$\mathrm{.}0\mathrm{.}1)$

Team

Although conflict is a normal part of every workplace, if unresolved, it can create hard feelings and reduce productivity.

roun fask Analyze the following scenarios. In teams, discuss each scenario and apply the six$-$step procedure for dealing with conflict outlined in Figure $2\mathrm{.}3.$ Choose two of the scenarios to role$-$play, with two of your team members taking roles.

a$.$ During an important meeting, several agenda items deal with actions that are crucial to the success of a current project. They require that key decisions be made$-$fast! As usual, Gina is joking and telling entertaining anecdotes

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Chapter $2$ Professionalism: Team, Meeting, Listening, Nonverbal, and Etiquette Skills