Sleep Soundly Pajama Co.
This website has been created as a classroom simulation for COMM 320: Organizational Communication
Home
About Us
About Us
History
Executive Profiles
Our Products
Pajamas for People
Pajamas for Pets
Internal Documents
Memos
Meeting Requests
Contact Us
Your presence is requested at the Sleep Soundly Senior Executive meeting - February 27, 2024
Jack E. Brown Chemical Engineering Building (CHEN), Room 102
The meeting will begin promptly at 11:10 a.m. Do not be late.
Logistics:
One member of each theory group will sit at the executive table embodying the persona of your theory/senior executive. While only one group member at a time can
be
the senior executive, other group members can help from the audience and/or switch places at the table if the representative gets stuck. There will also be breaks as we move through the process for representatives to strategize.
During the discussion you will need to accomplish the following:
Make an opening statement where you give your evaluation of the problem (i.e. “The real issue from my perspective is…”) and present your proposed plan for action. Your CEO will call on each individual to make their opening statement one at a time. We will then take a short break, during which time you can review your notes and strategize with other group members to refine your arguments.
We will then break for strategizing.
Come back ready to respond to others’ analysis, questions, critiques, and recommendations (this is a little like a debate so you need to be ready to respond to criticism and to interrogate others’ proposals).
We will break again, briefly, for strategizing.
Make a closing statement where you summarize the key arguments for your own perspective and against oppositions' perspectives. Create a compelling argument for why our stakeholders should support your proposal.
Meeting adjourned.
MATERIALS TO BE SUBMITTED:
Representatives will turn in a professional report documenting your work (this is not as daunting as it sounds). The report should contain:
Your assessment of the problem (1/2 page)
Your proposed plan (1/2-1 page)
Arguments for your plan and against other possible perspectives (1-2 pages)
The writing of each section should be clear and free of typos. However, it can be in outline format (this does not need to be an essay response). Be sure you include enough information to show your work, detail your specific plan, and offer support for your recommendations.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
The format will not be a linear presentation of these points. Rather, the activity will take the form of a boardroom discussion. This means that will need to
work as a group
to assess the company’s problems and develop a clear plan of action. You also need to understand and interrogate the other theoretical positions in order to effectively argue your own perspective against the others.
It is crucial that you center your statements and questions around
the concrete details of the case
and not speak in generalities about your theory. The theoretical commitments should come through in your assessment of the problem and recommendations for action. Your arguments should include data and support from the actual case as though you have gathered that information by observing and analyzing your organization. You may even want outside sources to support the kinds of measures you recommend.
The best grades will be reserved for teams that closely embody their theoretical perspective (and can defend it against anticipated critiques) and are prepared to question and criticize other perspectives.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARATION:
If you have more than one representative for your perspective, you may want to meet outside of class to share your ideas, discuss strategy, and practice making arguments.
Dress should be business casual. (No suits necessary)
You may assign different people specific responsibilities but it is crucial that you all share your information and ideas with each other. Only one person can be at the table at a time and you don’t want to be in the position of having the person at the table unfamiliar with an aspect of the argument or case.
Create a clear plan and set of concrete recommendations.
* Poor example (abstract): “Make employees happier”
* Good example (concrete): “Create a bi-weekly meeting facilitated by Ms. XYZ where $ group of workers can %%%% which will result in ****”
Develop evidence and support for your position and your recommendations.
Have fun with this! You need to get into the role and take on the personality and beliefs of the theorist you are representing.
Be ready for disorganization. One of the things you will notice is how difficult it is to make your case and address all the issues. You will also get a feel for how frustrating it is to have other people critique your ideas. This is part of being the kind of organizational member who strategically analyses problems, develops solutions, and makes a difference in the organizational setting.
Discuss the various strengths of each member when you are deciding who will represent your theorist.
Watch your time. We will only have one class period so pay close attention to time limits on the rubric.
Run your plan by the CEO if you like; it never hurts to have advice from the top!
*
Indicates required field
Only RSVP if you will be unable to attend:
*
I will be unable to attend.
Explanation for Absence:
*
Email
*
Name
*
First
Last
Submit