Case Study Assignment #1, COMM 122
Disciplining a Teammate: Control in Self-Managing Teams
Due: 4/17/24
In answering these questions, please follow the formatting instructions provided in your syllabus listed under “Case Studies.” Your paper should be 4-5 pages double-spaced (please do not go over 5.5 pages).
Use lectures and readings to answer the following questions:
Provide a brief overview of the case in which you summarize what happened (no longer than one paragraph). (10 points)
Describe how the system of control in Technicom changed due to the shift from a hierarchical, bureaucratic manufacturing company to an organization comprised of groups of self-managing teams. In doing so, please make sure to address the following:
What type of control is evident in a traditional organization, and how does it work? In answering this question, consider the key theoretical assumptions of the traditional perspective about leadership, motivation, and communication and explain how they relate to this type of control. (15 points)
What type of control is evident in organizations using self-managing teams? In answering this question, consider the key theoretical assumptions of the relational perspective about leadership, motivation, and communication and explain how they relate to this type of control. (15 points)
How does concertive control work? How do values, norms, and rules contribute to concertive control? Why is concertive control so effective? Give specific examples of how concertive control creates and impacts the functioning of the Delta team. (20 points)
How did the team discipline Sharon? Was the team justified in its reaction to Sharon’s behavior? Why or why not? (10 points)
Explain the three most significant organizational and/or communication challenges presented in this case. How are they affecting the organization? Why do you believe these are the most significant? (15 points)
Imagine you are an external consultant hired to evaluate what is happening in the Delta Team at Technicom. Outline three specific organizational and/or communication recommendations that you would make to this organization. Why do you advance these recommendations? What theoretical perspective(s) informed your choice in recommendations? How did it (they) do so? And, why were you most influenced by that theoretical perspective (first, focus on the elements of the case here; then, you may advance your personal preferences, if you would like). (15 pts.)
