Topic: Experiential Analysis – A reflective structured essay

Order Description
Communication and Organisational Practices
Harvard referencing style
2000 words
Assessment instructions:
Consider an organisation or a group to which you belong. It is preferable to select a group within a workplace but if you do not work then choose one that exists within the university or a social or voluntary group in which you are a member. It is important to choose a group where you and other members work together regularly.
Analyse the influence of specific factors in terms of the interpersonal communication within the group. For example, you may wish to consider the influence of:
• The perceived emotions, relationships and personality of group members
• Spiritual orientation
• Gender
• Any group members with a disability
• Culture
Depending upon the context you decide to analyse, you may choose whether to focus on one or more of the factors presented above. The context will determine how many and which of the diversity issues you select.
Obviously, if you choose to focus on one issue then you will be expected to have developed more of an in-depth understanding in that area than if you select multiple factors from the list provided. Analyse the impact of the factors you have chosen from the list (culture, age, gender or individual factors such as emotions, relationships, for example) on the communication that occurs within the group. You may also consider any organisational or management policies or practices that affect interpersonal communication in the workplace and amongst group members. Finally, suggest how individuals or the organisation, including yourself, might contribute to improving communication, paying special attention to the factors stated. You may use first (I) or third person where it is appropriate to do so. For example, use “I” if you are describing your own actions or perceptions. You can also choose to observe a group in an organisation where you are not a direct participant but where your interaction with the group is sufficient to observe and analyse the dynamics of the communication.
Write a reflective essay using the following headings:
Title: Experiential Analysis – A reflective structured essay
Introduction: Indicate whether you intend to refer to one or all of the factors listed above in your experiential analysis. Provide background information on the context. For example, explain what kind of organisation it is and the work that brings your group of individuals together. You may wish to briefly describe each individual, their
role at work and then the name you have chosen for them (a pseudonym). DO NOT REVEAL THE TRUEIDENTITY OF THE ORGANISATION OR ANY EMPLOYEES.
Analysis: Consider each of the factors identified in turn, or if you have opted for only one, then address each aspect of that factor. If you were considering culture for example, you may want to include paragraphs that relate to high/low context culture, individualism/collectivism or power distance or other aspects of cultural theory that seem relevant. Analyse how your chosen factors (gender, age, culture and individual characteristics, spirituality etc.) affect interpersonal communication in the group or organisation. Are there any organisational policies or practices that influence the impact and nature of these factors on the communication? If you are a direct participant, include reflective observations about how any of the listed factors are relevant to your own communication in the analysis. You MUST draw upon academic literature to support all your observations and analysis. While you may describe an incident or behaviour for example, you need to support your analysis of what is happening and why with the literature.
Conclusion and Recommendations: In briefly summarising the main issues raised in your analysis, provide an overview of the nature and quality of the communication you observed suggesting those aspects of the communication that worked well and those that were problematic. Recommend how communication within the group (and the organisation) might be better managed. Any recommendations you suggest must be supported by the literature so that their credibility is strengthened. You will need to have a rationale for any recommendations too. Eg; explain why you suggest them. Indicate if there are any limitations that may make it challenging to implement your recommendations.
Reference List:
Harvard referencing style, thoroughly and correctly used; minimum 10 references.
You must use a minimum of ten academic sources not including your text book. Select academic, reputable sources to support your work such as peer reviewed journal papers, textbooks and research books. The reference list must conform to the Harvard referencing style as must any in-text references in the body of your assignment. The reference list will not be included in your word count. Please be aware that if there is a discrepancy in your referencing, you may be asked to submit a scanned copy of one or more of your sources.
Please do not cite workshop slides as a source.
The assessment criteria are as identified on the feedback sheet. You must embed a copy of the feedback sheet into the same document as your assignment.

Feedback and Criteria for Assignment 2
Experiential Analysis – Reflective structured essay 45% of total course assessment, 2000 Words
Criteria
Grade
1 The analysis is written by drawing upon well-argued points conveyed in a logical, clear manner. It is also correctly edited in terms of grammar and spelling and uses an appropriate academic genre. A high level of written communication is expected. All parts of the analysis contain appropriate information consistent with the assessment instructions (25% of this assignment).
Comments:
2. The analysis is characterised by an appropriate level of critical reflection that is informed and referenced by academic literature. An explanation of what is happening and why, needs to be clearly identified and supported (50% of this assignment).

3. Referencing, using the version of Harvard Referencing both in the reference list and in the text, has been appropriately applied (25% of this assignmen