Assignment Overview On the home page of this module, Force Field Analysis was described as a common management model used to analyze the factors influencing organizational behavior—especially interpersonal and group interactions. The following case is an illustration of a group of people who have ceased to work together effectively. You can use the Force Field model effectively in this case to help diagnose and suggest solutions to the problems this organization is facing. Case Assignment Read the following case. You can access it in the Trident University Library: Mento, A. J., Buckheit, P., & Mento, B. A. (2012). Case study: Strident property services. Journal of Business Case Studies, 8(6), 565. ****I added the case study at the end***** If you have trouble finding it, you can locate it in the ProQuest database by clicking on Additional Library Resources. Then write a 4- to 5-page paper, that addresses the following: • Discuss how group dynamics contribute to the situation described in this case. Explain your reasons with references to the background readings, PowerPoint presentations, and additional research if needed. Keys to the Assignment The key aspects of this assignment that should be covered in your paper include: • Define the problem: What exactly is the problem being faced by Strident? How does the JoHari model contribute to our understanding of the problem? • Analyze the cause: What forces are working to create this problem? How do communication, trust, and conflict contribute to this cause? • Propose a solution: What does the company need to do to turn this situation around? Be very specific in your suggestions of actions that can be taken. Assignment Expectations Your paper will be evaluated using the following five (5) criteria: • Assignment-Driven Criteria (Precision and Breadth): Does the paper fully address all Keys to the Assignment? Are the concepts behind the Keys to the Assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length requirements? • Critical Thinking (Critical Thinking and Depth): Does the paper demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis? • Business Writing (Clarity and Organization): Is the paper well written (clear, developed logically, and well organized)? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included in all papers? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding to the Keys to the Assignment, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations? • Effective Use of Information (Information Literacy and References): Does the paper demonstrate that the student has read, understood and can apply the background materials for the module? If required, has the student demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality (library?) sources? Do additional sources used in paper provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper? • Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper end references and in-text citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all end references been included within the body of the paper as in-text citations? Tips and Suggestions Please note the following tips and suggestions: • Include a cover page and reference page in addition to the 4–5 pages of analysis described above. • You are expected to demonstrate that you have read, understood, and can apply the required background readings for this module in your answer to this case. Be sure to read the required readings carefully, and use the theories and arguments you learn from them to support your analysis. • Include headings for all papers longer than two pages (basically all papers). • Cite and reference all sources that you use in your work, including those that you do not quote but paraphrase. This means include citations and quotation marks for direct quotes of more than five words, and include citations for information that you have “borrowed” or paraphrased from other sources. • Follow TUI Guidelines for well-written papers. (If you are unsure of what those guidelines are, see Student Guide to Writing a High-Quality Academic Paper). Turn in this 4- to 5-page paper by the end of the module. *******Case Study********** Journal of Business Case Studies – November/December 2012 Volume 8, Number 6 © 2012 The Clute Institute https://www.cluteinstitute.com/ 565 Case Study: Strident Property Services Anthony J. Mento, Loyola University Maryland, USA Peter Buckheit, Loyola University Maryland, USA Barbara A. Mento, Notre Dame of Maryland University, USA ABSTRACT Alex Jacobs has taken over the family business from his father. The company had grown in size and faced challenges that Alex must overcome for the company to remain a leader in the region. Challenges included working with a management team that was there prior to Alex’s arrival, poor customer service, low professionalism, and a divided employee base. His attempts (i.e., identifying problems and informing staff; threats to demote or fire staff) to correct the problems were mostly unsuccessful. The only bright spot was exhibited by Joe Flack, the director of IT, who was able to make successful business decisions with the contacts provided by Alex. Alex needed to act quickly because more and more clients were not resigning contracts with Strident. In fact, the company’s portfolio has decreased from over 200 properties to less than 100. Students are challenged to develop workable strategies to overcome some of the problems mentioned in the case, including a strategy for turning the situation around, if possible. Keywords: Systems Thinking; Motivation; Leadership; Reframing; Team Building; Team Development INTRODUCTION trident Property Services was a small property management company founded by Bernie Jacobs, located in the suburbs of Baltimore City. The company was started in the early 1990s as a family-run business that consisted of the owner, Bernie Jacobs, four property managers, and three clerks. Strident’s mission was “providing outstanding service is our commitment to our communities.” The company was very successful from the start, primarily due to the huge increase in commercial and residential properties being built in Maryland. During Bernie Jacobs’s tenure, the company was laid back and he was especially flexible with employee work schedules. He felt that if someone had children or some other important obligation that needed attention, it was appropriate to take time away from work to attend to those obligations. He was also lenient with staff attire. While property managers were expected to dress professionally at all times because of frequent client meetings, clerical and administrative staff were allowed to wear jeans and casual shirts to work. Bernie was a people person and made rounds throughout the office daily to chat and give his recognition to the staff’s hard work. The property expansion in the region continued to grow at a rapid pace as did the company. By the early 2000s, the company had over 60 employees, and was divided into four departments: 1) property management (managers), 2) accounting, 3) administrative and clerical, and 4) information technology (IT). With the business expansion was a shift in management at the top. The president of the company was now Alex Jacobs, the son of Bernie, who was given control of the company after graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He was in his early twenties and always had a stern look on his face. He was always business-like and presented himself in a confident and sometimes arrogant manner. Unlike his father, he thought that all employees, regardless of obligation, should be at the office working from 8:30 A.M to 5:00 P.M. He also disliked the dress code established by his father and often expressed his displeasure to individuals who were not in a shirt and tie or business attire. Bernie would now be playing an advisory role in the company that he founded.
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