1. Most are familiar with the concepts of physical distance, and somewhat familiar with what UVW terms “operational distance”. However, most have not focused on “Affinity Distance” (UVW, p 41). Affinity distance is made up of four relationship dynamics: cultural distance, social distance, relationship distance and interdependence distance. While affinity distance can exist in both traditional, primarily face-to-face groups and virtual groups, the tools available to address these in virtual environments are more limited. From all the readings and experiences you’ve had, what steps could be taken to reduce these distances?
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1. Improving team effectiveness is a common theme across organizations. Whether the team is a standing group, e.g. a sales team, or a project-based cross-functional team that comes together to deal with a specific issue, their performance impacts the overall performance of the organization. Today, those teams are increasingly dispersed and operate/interact distant from one another. From all the readings, what actions can a team leader take to improve the operational effectiveness of such groups?
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1. Briefly describe what is meant by confirmation bias and framing effect and suggest two specific actions managers could take to guard against the influence of these biases.
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1. Effective communication is critical for effective management. Briefly explain the concept of active listening as discussed in the Rogers and Farson article, and, defensive communication as discussed in the Gibson article.
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1. You are on the last question of the final exam. The TV is on in the background, and you have been only partly engaged with your talking dog in polite conversation as your worked when he/she (your talking dog) asks you a question that catches your attention (for at least a minute). He/she asks you: So after fifteen weeks, three books, articles, forums, and that mountain climbing thing...did you have any “Aha moments”? By that, your dog means did anything strike you as particularly significant? Since your dog is truly curious, don’t simply tell him/her what that was, but briefly explain it.