Leading in a Changing World
End of module blog assignment briefing
Theme 2: The challenge of managing diverse teams
Please respond to the following statement: “Research has consistently shown that diverse teams produce better results, provided they are well led. The ability to bring together people from different backgrounds, disciplines, cultures, and generations and leverage all they have to offer, therefore, is a must-have for leaders” (Ibarra and Hansen 2011: 71).
It is recommended that you post your 2nd blog by week 5 to start generating responses before you submit your work through moodle
To help you to put the right emphasis on this theme you should consider it in 2 parts:
Part 1: “Research has consistently shown that diverse teams produce better results, provided they are well led.”
Part 2: “The ability to bring together people from different backgrounds, disciplines, cultures, and generations and leverage all they have to offer, therefore, is a must-have for leaders” (Ibarra & Hansen 2011: 71).
Structure: So, having identified the 2 parts to this theme you can now start to structure your response: We are looking for you to introduce the theme, reference the theory, use real examples and conclude using your own words and views, backed up by the theory.
o Part 1: Draw on research, theories and team building models to help you explore the advantages and the challenges diverse teams bring to organisations
o Part 2: Is the ability to manage a diverse team the most important skill for your chosen industry? You must present your argument here and justify your response by making reference to leaders and organisations in your chosen industry (which is nonprofit industry).
o How might a manager use the knowledge of diversity to produce better results? Present your discussion drawing on your research and industry leaders.
o What are your conclusions from this debate?
Caution: Many students spend far too much of their allocated word allowance on the definition of a diverse team. We do not need long definitions of what a diverse team is. Ibarra and Hansen have already provided you with a reference here regarding some of the main components of a diverse team ie people from different backgrounds, disciplines, cultures and generations. We want you to focus on the research which examines the challenge of team diversity which will lead you to making recommendations for managing diverse teams.
Checklist. After you’ve written your blog, read it to check if you have …….:
1. Made reference to team theory and research, analysing the advantages and limitations
2. Used real-life industry examples to highlight the importance of managing team diversity
3. Made recommendations for managers on how to use knowledge of diversity to produce better results, concluding with advantages and limitations.
What you must NOT do. Do not simply gather together a series of quotes from published authors in the hope that this presents your views. Remember Socrates words of wisdom: To believe without evidence and demonstration is an act of ignorance and folly.
Criteria 2 : Blog 2 Diversity and Team Management
A detailed and confident discussion of the brief that critically evaluates the features and application of relevant model(s) and theories of team formation and leadership. Their complexities are examined in depth with thoughtful and applied discussion re why they were developed and their purpose. Knowledge is fully supported by a range of appropriate academic and professional body sources drawn together in an original and compelling manner and applied to real leadership examples. Originality of thought and analysis is clearly demonstrated in the debate with direct relevance to the author’s field of study and the contemporary issues within key organisations, reflecting both personal and academic research into the stated debate. Clear and concise conclusion with recommendations for future managers.