Running head: ALTERNATIVE LEADERSHIP: Good Sports
Alternative Leadership: Good Sports
University of Phoenix
MBA 520
Instructor: Calvin Turner
April 14, 2008
Abstract
In today’s highly competitive business world, companies face new challenges daily. Good Sports is not the first company that changed their strategy in order to better manage the organization. The company’s organizational structure, culture, conflict management and emotional intelligence were analyzed. Good Sports’ strategies were compared and contrasted with Microsoft and Xerox. When faced with issues similar to Good Sports, both Microsoft and Xerox opted to change strategies. Realizing the problem and implementing change helped both companies move toward becoming more successful. Good Sports, too, can make this move by implementing strategies that strengthen the organizational culture and structure.
Introduction
In Managing across the Organizations simulation, Good Sport’s group dynamics added to the overall objectives of keeping up with the latest trends of their marketplace. The senior manager of research and development continued to excel in his job functions as high standing performance was achieved. In each organizational level, he encountered challenges in structure and culture as his roles changed, encouraging him to find adaptable strategies. The organizational dynamics of interpersonal and various conflict management sources were pervasive from sales to production and finally upper management. “Conflict management refers to interventions that alter the level and form of conflict in ways that maximize its benefits and minimize its dysfunctional consequences. This sometimes means increasing the level of constructive conflict.” (McShane & Von ...