Organisations and Behaviour

Assignment Context and Business Scenario -GLAXOSMITHKLINE CASE STUDY

Introduction:

GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) is a healthcare company. The Company is engaged in the creation and discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical products, including vaccines, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and health-related consumer products. As of August 2016 it had a market capitalisation of £81 billion, the fourth largest on the London Stock Exchange.

What you must do

Task 1

1.1 The concept of culture and structure are different. There can be many kinds of organisational structures, such as hierarchical, functional, geographical and matrix. Charles Handy has discussed four kinds of organisational cultures. Compare and contrast the structures and cultures of the GSK with any other similar organisation 

1.2 Explain how the relationship between the organisation’s structure and culture can impact on the performance of GSK.

1.3 Discuss how individual employees behaviour at work might be influenced by different (personal, demographic, psychological and environmental) factors at GSK

To achieve M1, you will have made effective judgement in your comparison and contrast of the structures and cultures of the two proposed types of organisations.

Task 2

2.1 Some leadership theory discusses three main leadership styles. Compare the effectiveness of the different leadership styles at GSK with any other similar organisation.

2.2 Explain how organisation theory supports and explains the management practices at GSK.

2.3 Use a range of theories and other sources of information to evaluate three different approaches to management at GSK and any other similar organisation

To achieve M2, you will have applied relevant theories and techniques in comparing the effectiveness of different leadership styles at GSK with any other similar organisation.

To achieve D1 conclusions on the evaluation of three different approaches to management at GSK and any other similar organisation will have been arrived at through a synthesis of ideas and these conclusions will have been justified.

Task 3

3.1 Discuss the impact that different leadership styles may have on motivation at GSK during periods of change.

3.2 Compare the application of any two different motivational theories in the workplace at GSK.

3.3 Evaluate the usefulness of any motivation theories for managers, including the limitations of these theories at GSK.

To achieve M3, the arguments should be clearly written, coherent and with a logical discussion on the impact of different leadership styles may have on motivation at GSK during periods of change.

To achieve D2, you will have planned and demonstrated your evaluation of the usefulness of any motivation theories for managers, including the limitations of these theories at GSK.

Task 4

4.1 Use theories to explain the nature of groups and group behavior at GSK.

4.2 There are a ranges of factors (e.g. individual skills, team size, status, cohesiveness, roles, diversity, leadership and communication) that affects effective teamwork. Discuss any four factors that may promote or inhibit the development of effective teamwork at GSK.

4.3 Evaluate the impact of technology on team functioning at GSK.

To achieve D3 you will have applied convergent and lateral thinking in your discussion of the factors that may promote or inhibit the development of effective teamwork in GSK.

Learning Outcomes

L01. Understand the relationship between organisational structure and culture.

1.1 compare and contrast different organisational structures and cultures;

1.2 explain how the relationship between an organisation’s structure and culture can impact on the performance of the business;

1.3 discusses the factors which influence individual behaviour at work.

L02. Understand different approaches to management and leadership

2.1 compare the effectiveness of different leadership styles in different organisations;

2.2 explain how organisation theory underpins the practice of management;

2.3 evaluate the different approaches to management used by different organisations

L03. Understand ways of using motivation theories in organisations

3.1 discuss the impact that different leadership styles may have on motivation in organisations in periods of change;

3.2 compare the application of different motivational theories within the workplace;

3.3 evaluate the usefulness of a motivation theory for managers.

L04. Understand mechanisms for developing effective  teamwork in organisations

4.1 explain the nature of groups and group behaviour within organisations;

4.2 discuss factors that may promote or inhibit the development of effective teamwork in organisations;

4.3 evaluate the impact of technology on team functioning within a given organisation.