Team communication assignment: An Annotated Bibliography
Question
General Overview: This assessment is a simulation of a professional business presentation. Most organizations today will share information through the communication genre of the professional business presentation. This assessment will help you improve your competency in both written and professional business presentational communication. In addition, this assessment allows you to participate in and reflect upon group processes and interactions.
This assessment has TWO PARTS. 1. Individually Written Report; 2. Group Recorded Video. You must follow the guidelines for this assessment as set out in this document and the accompanying video.
Case Study: You are a manager and your boss has asked you to give a presentation about communication to members of your team. Your team’s communication skills are generally good, but you and your boss feel that these skills can be improved. You are an expert in the field of business communication, having successfully undertaken a Unit in Effective Business Communications. Each member of the group may pick one of the following areas:
1. Organisational communication
2. Small group/Team Communication
3. Intercultural Communication
Having chosen a general area, you must then narrow the area to focus upon a specific topic or area within the general area. For example, if you have chosen to focus upon organisational communication, you could narrow the area to focus upon the topic of informal internal organisational communication. A broad focus on the general area will not result is a ‘high’ mark for this assessment. It is a good idea to consult with your tutor/lecturer about your topic—either in your Zoom lecture/tutorial/workshop or via email. You will need to identify 5 academic journal articles about your chosen topic. These articles will be discussed in the Individually Written Report and serve as evidentiary support within the presentation. Within your part of the presentation, you will need to include the following information:
1. The first part of your individual main point will define and explain the communication topic.
2. The second part of your individual main point will discuss the significance of the topic in terms of effective business communication practices.
Answer
Introduction
The team communication assignmentbrings about the discussion on ‘small-group/team communication’ as a vital part of effective business communication in the organisations. Communication refers to the process of transferring information or any message amongst interrelated individuals in a particular environment or business for attaining goals. Small group and team communication refers to the communication between three or more people who work together for a common purpose, and have a shared identity. As team communication may be informal in nature, therefore the group may not have any leaders in the organisation. This team communication assignmentis an annotated bibliography, which will enlist five articles, and provide an understanding on the effectiveness of small-group or team communication. Additionally, it will describe the aspects of group dynamics through writing a reflection. In the later part, the team communication assignmentwill mention recommendations for improving group dynamics in the organisation. Thus, effective business communication is the core function that leads to higher performance and success in the long-term.
Annotated Bibliography
Article 1
Anders, A. &Cardon, P. (2016).Team Communication Platforms and Emergent Social Collaboration Practices. International Journal of Business Communication, 53(2), 224-261.Doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/2329488415627273
Research aim and methods: The aim of the research paper on team communication assignment is to study the new emergent communication practices in the business to enhance the communication between group members. The study in business and professional communication implemented the qualitative and quantitative methods to study communication practices, using social media platforms, and for the team projects, via email, and instant messaging.
Findings:Also, the research demonstrated the significance of information through networks, in increasing the productivity in organisation, and effectiveness of communication in formal and informal groups through social collaboration.
Usefulness: The study developed within this team communication assignment is useful in describing the benefits of TCPs for practising effective communication in office environments, and also promoting cooperative work within group projects, and behavioural changes in informal team communication (Rogers, Pawlik&Shwom, 2020).
Article 2
Gervits, F., Eberhard, K. &Scheutz, M. (2016).Team Communication as a Collaborative Process. Frontiers in Robotics and AI, 3, Frontiers in Robotics and AI, Oct 21, 2016.https://doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2016.00062
Introduction: The authors Gervits, Eberhard&Scheutz (2016), stated that success and performance of a team largely depends on the effective coordination of actions. Moreover, communication channels depict significant information about team effectiveness. It is mostly found operative in the organisations, such as military medical groups, and other technical fields.
Research aim and methods: The aim of the research on team communication assignment is to explore the interaction of these factors with the team functions to analyse communication patterns. The data was obtained from the individuals in 10 teams from different areas.
Findings: Some of the significant findings stated that teams lack efficiency for monitoring organisational communication especially in the remote areas, which created issues amongst group members. Furthermore, people need to build additional feedback in conducting remote formal communication; therefore implementing coordination strategies improve efficiency.
Usefulness: The study explored herein team communication assignment is useful as it facilitated manager and leaders to understand various factors affecting team communication, and improving the coordination and performance in whole.
Article 3
Polat, V., Lynn, G., Akgun, A. &Emre, O. (2018). Formal and Informal Communication in New Product Development Teams: The Mediation Effect of Team Trust.Introduction: The authorsPolat et al. (2018), studied about the holistic view of the team factors for analysing their relationship with team communication. The study relates the influence of communication in processes, which facilitates product development. International Journal of Innovation, 6(2), 97+.Retrieved from https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/apps/doc/A596897919/AONE?u=cqu&sid=AONE&xid=1472b914.DOI: 10.5585/iji
Research aim and methods: the aim of this research executed in the team communication assignment is to analyse the contribution of technology and innovation management to assess the team factors. The study emphasized on formal and informal communications within groups, and used questionnaire to test the hypothesis (Gervits, Eberhard&Scheutz, 2016).
Findings and Conclusion: It has been found that team trust and communication are the two factors that lead to success in teamwork. Team factors are positively related with the team trust. No mediation effect has been observed between team empowerment and formal communication.
Usefulness: In this team communication assignment, the study proved useful in analysing the relatedness of the team factors team trust, team empowerment, with formal and informal communication. Team empowerment and team autonomy is related to informal communication amongst team members.
Article 4
Rogers, P., Pawlik, L. &Shwom, B. (2020). Formal Communications’ Role in Knowledge Work: Evidence from Projects. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 34(2), 115-156.https://doi.org/10.1177/1050651919892039
Introduction: The authors Rogers, Pawlik&Shwom (2020), studied contribution of formal communications to the problem-solving knowledge work within team projects.Formal communications is used as a tool for managing the complexity of the knowledge tasks, and other projects.
Research aim and method: the research paper utilized within this team communication assignment aims to explore vital functions of formal communications in completion of the problem-solving knowledge work. The researchers obtained data from quantitative and qualitative methods using surveys, interviews, and observations from 212 teams making projects for various organisations.
Findings and Conclusion: It was analysed that FCs fixed both contextual and conceptual demands of the problem solving work. This facilitated team projects, and interaction with their clients. FCs involved the team members in identifying the issues, and problems through using tools, assisted them achieve targets and engages in professionalism.
Usefulness: the study prepared in the team communication assignment is useful as it determined the positive impact of using the FCs for enhancing the cohesiveness, and effective communication within teams.
Article 5
Walker, R., Cardon, P. &Aritz, J. (2018).Enhancing Global Virtual Small GroupCommunication Skills. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research: Bringing International Perspectives to the Communication Curriculum in the Age of Globalization, 47(5), 421-433.https://doi.org/10.1080/17475759.2018.1475292
Introduction: The authorsWalker, Cardon&Aritz (2018),stated that VBP provided students with an opportunity for real-world experience, with using communication technologies implemented in the modern business organisations.
Research aim and method: The paper aims to provide an overview of the teaching methods used in the projects within teams. The information was obtained from 415 students and 71 teams from 9 universities and 7 countries, and objects to use qualitative methods in future research.
Findings and Conclusion: It was found that students reported high sense of inclusion and level of trust was increased, with the implementation of efficient approach towards team communication within thisteam communication assignment. This has well indicated about the rising trend and usefulness of virtual team communication.
Usefulness: The discussion is useful as it used logical approaches in improving the learning experiences of students in various universities engaged in internationalisation process within virtual teams.
Reflection on Group Dynamics
The report on team communication assignment will critically reflect upon the concept of group dynamics and their importance within groups in organisation. A group can be defined as the individuals who joined together for achieving a common goal or objective in the organisation. Group dynamics refers to the attitudinal and behavioural traits of the group members. Group dynamics can be positive, and negative that denotes allocation of tasks and duties. Positive group dynamics implies teamwork, effective conflict resolution, group resilience and support from peers. On the contrary, negative dynamics characterize poor communication, lack of coordination, and ineffectual teamwork. Thus, decision making process and effectiveness in communication is largely dependent and affected by the nature of group members. Therefore, managers and leaders are responsible to construct effective systems and ensure positive group dynamics. Now, the paper will outline my experience in a group assignment.
I worked in a group project given by professor in the college related to the marketing field. We were four members in that group project, in which I assumed the role of leader and therefore delegated tasks to all the members of the group. One member was given the responsibility of collecting the information for the project using various materials. Other two supported in the combining all the elements and keeping the record for the weekly group meetings. Personality and personal differences of member influenced majorly to the effectiveness of work, so we decided to resolve the conflicts and improve our performance.
To avoid any breakdown in the communication, we remain in touch with the WhatsApp, which eliminated confusion, and scheduled our work in a timely manner. Inattentiveness of one member in the project led to inefficient teamwork, and performance in the final submission. As a result, I acquired knowledge on the concept of group dynamics, which facilitated attainment of organisational goals.
Conclusion
To conclude the above discussion developed within this team communication assignment on effective communication it has been analysed that small group communication is significant in the professional, academic and personal contexts. Effective business communication is the core element in the organisational productivity and performance. Small group or team communication is improved by involving all the members in the group activities or projects. The annotated discussion on team communication assignment has well represented the concept and influence of team communication on the project teams in different environments or businesses. With the technological advancements, virtual communication practices and tools such as zoom, slack services and others ensured ineffective management of teams in the remote locations. Hence, effective business communication authenticates the communication between the team members and management, leading towards organisational success in the long run.
Recommendations
Defining roles and responsibilities:-Managers require defining and clarifying the duties, roles or responsibilities for every member of the group. It enables individuals to adhere to their deadlines and commit to their work in proper manner. This can be done through preparing a team charter that will list out the goals of the team, and roles to be executed by each member in the organisation. Thus, the findings obtained in the team communication assignment signify that it will assist the organisation in resolving any conflicts or issues in the effective working of the group. Other than this, it will also eliminate duplication of work, resulting into accomplishment of their projects. Henceforth, accountability of employees for their roles and responsibility in the organisation is the key aspect for eliminating negative group dynamics in the team.
Focus on improving communication:-In every organisation communication amongst members determines the effectiveness of operations and assists in attaining goals. Open communication is central to team dynamics, therefore it is recommended for managers and leaders to practice open and healthy communication. They must use effective systems, technologies and methods to communicate such as slack and others for eliminating any errors, or distortion in the transfer of information amongst members. Working in a group in order to prepare this team communication assignment requires mutual understanding, trust, empowerment, and respect, so leaders must improve the team cohesion for developing relationships. It would assist in sharing of the important message or information through formal or informal channels, thus achieving organisational goals (Polat et al., 2018).
References
Anders, A. &Cardon, P. (2016).Team Communication Platforms and Emergent Social Collaboration Practices. International Journal of Business Communication, 53(2), 224-261.
Gervits, F., Eberhard, K.&Scheutz, M. (2016).Team Communication as a Collaborative Process. Frontiers in Robotics and AI, 3, Frontiers in Robotics and AI, Oct 21, 2016.
Polat, V., Lynn, G., Akgun, A. &Emre, O. (2018). Formal and Informal Communication in New Product Development Teams: The Mediation Effect of Team Trust. Team communication assignmentInternational Journal of Innovation, 6(2), 97+. Retrieved from https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/apps/doc/A596897919/AONE?u=cqu&sid=AONE&xid=1472b914
Rogers, P., Pawlik, L. &Shwom, B. (2020). Formal Communications’ Role in Knowledge Work: Evidence from Projects. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 34(2), 115-156.
Walker, R., Cardon, P. &Aritz, J. (2018).Enhancing Global Virtual Small Group Communication Skills. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research: Bringing International Perspectives to the Communication Curriculum in the Age of Globalization, 47(5), 421-433.
