QUESTION 2

Jenna Downey is an engineer on a cross-functional team at Ford Motor Company. The team was put together two years ago to develop a new hybrid truck. A few days ago, Jenna complained to her manager that she didnt feel the project was going well. When asked why, Jenna stated the following: Our team has gotten stagnant. We dont brainstorm the way we used to. We sit in a room and go over the design and, instead of thinking outside the box or playing devils advocate, we talk about the weather and make the same decisions weve always made. I know I dont feel comfortable sharing ideas with the group that isnt our status quo kind of solution and Im sure most of my team members would agree. Were on this great project and, yet, nobodys willing to take any risks or voice opinions that not everybodys going to like. I dont know if I can stay on this team.

Required:

Based on your understanding of group decision making and the Jennas comments above, what do you think is occurring in Jennas group thats making her dissatisfied with the experience? Provide AT LEAST two recommendations of what Jenna can do to eliminate these issues. (20 marks)

QUESTION 3

Olga decided to go to Nandos for lunch. The line was long but when she finally made it up to the counter, the server asked, What can I get for you? to which Olga replied, A double burger chicken teriyaki on honey bread. The server questioned, On wheat? No, on honey Olga replies. The server nods, grabs the bread and begins to make the burger, Oh and cheese please. Ok, replies the server. Olga watches the server as he makes the burger. Just as hes about to put the hot chicken on the cheese, Olga says, Oh no, I meant I wanted Swiss, swiss cheese. Could you please change that? The server gives Olga a dirty look (Having already put the hot chicken on the cheese slices, Next time, say what you mean. He throws the burger out and makes her a new one.

Required:

Use the communication process to describe what occurred (from a communication standpoint) in this exchange. Could this communication have been handled in a better way? Why or why not? If so, what could the communication process have looked like had Olga interacted with the server in a different way? (20 marks)