Human Capital Worksheet

MBA/520 Leadership Concepts Worksheet Assignment

Week 1

The first week's assignment focuses on creating a worksheet you can use in planning to gain knowledge about key course concepts and to recognize application of those concepts in the real world. The assignment has three purposes: (A) identify at least five key theoretical concepts from this week's readings, (B) relate each key concept to its application in an organizational setting, and (C) communicate well-researched information clearly, concisely, and in an organized manner.

Read the GeneOne scenario and run the "Managing Across the Organization" simulation to identify examples of five or more key course concepts. Remember that the mind map is a source of these concepts. Then, read the assigned text materials to develop knowledge about the concepts. You may also wish to research these concepts through database searches in the University Library. This additional research will help expand your understanding of the text materials.

By completing the worksheet following the title page, you can begin to develop your research and written communication skills. The example below is from the MBA/500 course using the USAuto scenario. This example can be useful to understanding the assignment's requirements. Please note that in describing the application of the concept, the worksheet should not contain simple one-word or even one-sentence answers; it should adequately demonstrate, in short paragraphs, careful study of the situations presented in the scenario, the simulation, and the reading materials.

Example Table for Assignment

Concept Application of Concept in the Scenario or Simulation Reference to Concept in Reading

Distributive negotiations USAuto's negotiating team did not carefully identify AutoMex's goals. USAuto's goal was to reduce costs through utilizing AutoMex labor. AutoMex, by contrast, viewed USAuto as a source for developing its employees' skill levels. USAuto's negotiating team also approached entering the Mexican market similarly, unwilling to allow AutoMex access to the hybrid engine for AutoMex's own production.

Both of these distributive approaches create win-lose situations and can lead to conflict, as compared to the win-win situations created by integrative negotiations (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2003, p. 504).

"A distributive negotiation usually involves a single issue--a 'fixed-pie'--in which one person gains at the expense of the other. For example, haggling over the price of a rug in a bazaar is a distributive negotiation," (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2003, p. 71).

Leadership Concepts Worksheet

Bevoline Campbell

University of Phoenix

Leadership Concepts Worksheet

Concept Application of Concept in the Scenario or Simulation Reference to Concept in Reading

Working as a team

Gene One rose to become a profitable company in the biotech industry due to win-win decisions that were made by the executive team. With the rise of the stock and competition in the industry, Don Ruiz and the board agreed that the company should become public within three years and have an annual growth target of 40%. This decision will endure Gene One to remain competitive and show effective leadership. The aspects of going public will need a small team that can work together with the required skills and knowledge.

Working together as a team can achieve great results because each team member is serving a common purpose (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2004, p.2).

"Team as a small number of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable." (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2004, p.2)

Teams in action

Gene One, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Don Ruiz called a meeting to advise his executive team of the plan to take the company public and transition into an IPO. During the meeting several issues were raised regarding the necessary actions needed for the company to public. One issue raised was the Sarbanes-Okley Act. An Act that has several requirements to be met before a company can go public. In addition to is Terri Robertson, Chief Technology Officer able to develop the two breakthrough technologies. Don reiterated to the group that each team member has made tremendous contribution to the company thus far. With each member working together, the plan to go public can be a great success with commitment and coordination of skills.

A team that has skills and knowledge working together on a high demand (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2004, p.4).

"Action Teams - high specialization is combined with high coordination. A unique challenge for action teams is to exhibit performance on demand."( Kinicki & Kreitner, 2004, p.4).

High Performance Teams

Gene One, Chief Executive Officer, Don Ruiz was approached by two Executive Board Members, John Kirby and Susan Wells about the senior leadership team and their ability to lead the company into the IPO transformation process. Both executive board members believe Don should reconsider the staff he has if the plan is to be successful. Don disagrees with the board members because the staff on the team has proven that their leadership skills and knowledge are worthy to bring the