INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 1* Page 3 of the Samson & Daft textbook presents a New Manager self-test. 1. Complete the questionnaire and score yourself. 2. Write a short piece (100–200 words) about what you have learned from the Questionnaire about your own management skills. INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 2 One key factor in this week's study is an analysis of an individual's specific personality and behaviour traits and how this may influence their communication skills in the workplace. Within the Study Guide, you will discover that these traits are divided into three levels. The third level is called post-conventional and these individuals are described as following their own set of principles of justice and rights. They are aware that people hold different values and they seek creative solutions to ethical dilemmas. They demonstrate a balanced concern for individuals and for the common good. Think back through your work or life experiences and name an individual who fits this set of traits and write a short piece (100 – 200 words) on why you have chosen them. INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 3 Take the 'Group Challenge" in the Samson and Daft textbook (2012, p. 78). Enter your responses into the Discussion Board together with some observations that emerge from the exercise. INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 4 On page 159 of Cheney (this week's required reading) you will find Figure 6.1 which plots the intensity and intentionality of workplace incivility. Focus of the levels of intentionality and describe some experiences you are aware of in the workplace where these negative actions have been clearly targeted. It may be a personal or associate's experience. Did the supervisor take action or were they blind to the activities? Was there any positive outcome? Write a response of between 100 – 200 words. INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 5 In our key themes, we have identified workplace heroes and knowledge workers as people who show exceptional qualities within the workplace. Identify some heroes and knowledge workers you have experienced and write a short piece (100 – 200 words) stating reasons why these individuals might be key members of work team networks. Describe the qualities they display that may enhance the power and reach of this network within an organisation. INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 6 Take the New Manager Self-Test 'Do you know your Biases' of the Samson and Daft text (p. 469). Look at your score and write 100 – 200 words about what you learned about your own biases or, perhaps, lack of bias. INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 7 Take the New Manager Self-Test in the Samson and Daft text (p. 490). Look at your score and write 100 – 200 words about what you know about gender differences in behaviour. NDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 9 Read the 'Management Challenge' in the Samson & Daft textbook (p. 402) and answer the questions posed. Then read the Response to Management Challenge (p. 428). Does the response substantiate your answers to the questions posed earlier and how? INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 10 Complete the New Manager Self-Test 'Does Goal Setting Fit Your management Style?' in page 255 of the textbook and check your score? What did you get and what did you learn from doing the test? INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 11 This week we explore Scenario Building as a way of exploring what might happen to an organisation struck by crisis in difficult times and through unexpected events. From your work experiences develop a quick 'sketch' of two scenarios – the most optimistic and the most pessimistic – in the event of a major crisis. What would that crisis be and how might you communicate with stakeholders about this situation to minimise confusion or disorder? What contingency plans might be appropriate? INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 12 Focusing on the difference between publics and audiences, think about your own life and work experiences and identity some publics you might be a member of – as a customer or as a member of a social or professional organisation. You can also be a member of a public simply because of your race, religion, sex or ethnic or national origin. INDEPENDENT LEARNING TASK 13 reflect back on your understanding of your own management communication style and the management communication structure in the organisation you work in. How has your understanding changed? What did you learn from this unit that you think will help you become a more effective manager and communicator? Is there anything you will do differently in your work life? Individual reference needed for each task