The task:
Write an ESSAY of 2500 words (+/- 10%) excluding bibliography on the following topic:
Choose one type of contemporary organisational change (such as the growth of homeworking, knowledge work or gig/platform work) and examine the impacts of the change on the behaviour within organisations. In doing so, use at least two broad topics covered in the course.
You have a free choice regarding both the type of change you focus on, as well as the topics that you focus on.
Important points to note:
⦁ Your essay should begin by describing the type of organisational change being examined, and its key characteristics, before considering the focal challenges.
⦁ You should refer to examples of real-life case studies in your essay. ⦁ Your essay should adopt a conventional essay structure i.e.: introduction, main body of essay and discussion followed by conclusion.
⦁ You must indicate the wordcount on your essay. Please note, for every 100 words extra, the mark will be deducted by 1 CGS point.
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### Introduction (250 words)
– Define mobile and home working, highlighting their emergence as significant trends in organizational behavior.
– State the purpose of the essay: to examine the impacts of mobile and home working on communication, employee engagement, and motivation within organizations.
### Mobile and Home Working: A Growing Trend (400 words)
– Describe the increasing prevalence of mobile and home working, accelerated by technological advancements and shifts in work culture.
– Discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has further catalyzed this trend, forcing many organizations to adopt remote working practices rapidly.
– Mention the benefits (flexibility, reduced overhead costs) and challenges (connectivity issues, work-life balance) associated with this trend.
### 1st Topic – Impact on Communication (500 words)
– Explore how mobile and home working reshape communication patterns within organizations, focusing on the reliance on digital communication tools.
– Discuss the communication process, including challenges such as maintaining clarity, managing virtual meetings, and ensuring consistent messaging across dispersed teams.
– Analyze the role of technology in enhancing or impeding effective communication, citing theories like media richness and social presence theory.
### 2nd Topic – Impact on Employee Engagement and Motivation (700 words)
– Define employee engagement and motivation, emphasizing their importance in organizational success.
– Discuss how remote work can affect engagement and motivation, exploring both positive impacts (autonomy, flexible scheduling) and negative impacts (isolation, lack of physical workspace).
– Dive into motivational theories that apply to remote settings, such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Herzberg’s two-factor theory, and the Job Characteristics Model, explaining how these can be leveraged to enhance engagement and motivation in a mobile and home working environment.
### Case Studies and Real-Life Examples (500 words)
– Provide case studies or real-life examples of organizations that have successfully managed communication, engagement, and motivation in remote work settings.
– Discuss strategies used by these organizations to overcome challenges associated with mobile and home working.
– Highlight any innovative practices that have proven effective in maintaining high levels of employee engagement and motivation.
### Conclusion (250 words)
– Summarize the key findings from the analysis of how mobile and home working impact communication, engagement, and motivation.
– Reflect on the implications for future workplace practices and the sustainability of remote work models.
– Suggest areas for further research or exploration based on the insights gained from the essay.
### Please use References Changing world of work
Allen, T. D., Golden, T. D., & Shockley, K. M. (2015). How effective is telecommuting? Assessing the status of our scientific findings. Psychological science in the public interest, 16(2), 40-68.
Ismail, N. (2017). Oxfam’s communication transformation.Information Age. Retrieved from https://www.information-age.com/oxfams-communication-transformation-123463918/
McKinsey Global Institute. (2017). Advancedsocial technologies and the future of collaboration. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/advanced-social-technologies-and-the-future-of-collaboration