Daniel Murphy * Identify the current formal and informal power structures in the organization. How might the power and political structure of the organization affect employee behavior?
The current formal power structure is a chain of command. With a chain of command there is a line of authority that stretches from the highest ranking leader all the way to the lowest, this structure defines who answers to whom, and who has the final say in any situation. This tends to result in a very structured work environment where every employee understands who has authority over them, and who they have authority over. The informal power structure is more of a team-orientated environment. This has resulted in close communities that emphasize on teamwork and communication to accomplish tasks. The downside to this kind of structure is that there can also be conflict amongst employees as they try to work in teams with the chain of command power structure in place.

* Identify the most appropriate and effective organizational structures for Riordan Manufacturing that will help them accomplish their planned changes.
I believe a good organizational structure for Riordan would be self-directed teams. Since there is already an informal team-orientated environment this structure would fit in nicely. First this kind of environment would boost morale and motivation by empowering the employees. Employees that have great knowledge and experience would be encouraged to take the lead of a team and use their experiences to the team’s advantage. The teams would work together to hit team goals, which would cut out some of the old hierarchy from the chain of command structure, which would lead to less conflict amongst the employees.

Dyonte Holmes * What are the potential effects of this selected structure on employee behavior? * Identify characteristics of the company’s culture. What are the potential influences of the corporate culture on employee behavior?
Kimberli Fletcher * Identify the potential sources of resistance to change and develop strategies to manage resistance to change.
Tessa Champ * Recommend a strategy to implement the changes over the next 12 months. * Describe how you will evaluate the success or failure of the planned change.
SECTION 2 * Identify the potential barriers to effective communication and strategies for overcoming the barriers. Potential Barrier in communication (Cultural Differences)
Cultural differences can cause many problems in an effective discussion, for example: If two people are trying to have a discussion and both speak different languages, it would be extremely difficult to communicate, in different cultures hand signs represent gestures that the British take politely. Religious issues can accelerate a normal discussion into a debate.
How to overcome
There are some ways of resolving these, some of which are the following: learn their language, hire an interpreter, carry a translating dictionary, instead of trying to communicate with hand signs and offend them, research some different signs that mean something polite and respectful, these are all ways that can solve the problems of effective communication in cultural differences.
Potential Barrier in communication (Distractions)
Distractions are one of the most annoying potential barriers; sometimes they are inescapable or unpreventable. However, some of them can be avoided, for example: mobile phones, people arriving late, changing the subject, talking about a different topic, etc.
How to overcome
Some distractions are unpreventable, but are some are avoidable, for example: turn mobile phones off, arrive on time or come in quietly. Ensure everyone knows exactly what time the meeting starts, where it is, and how to get there. Maybe also include that the doors to the meeting will be locked 5 minutes after it begins, if you are later than those 5 minutes you will not attend the meeting.
Potential Barrier in communication (Incorrect spelling/grammar)
Incorrect spelling is a potential barrier in communication because it can be misinterpreted as something else and an important message might not be passed on, this can happen in any written forms of communication, for example: email, snail- mail, memo, etc.
How to overcome
There are a number of ways to overcome incorrect spelling/grammar; firstly the spell checker is useful for simple spelling and grammar mistakes. Next, proofreading is important as this is more accurate than spell checker because machines do not know what context is suitable; finally, a second opinion is the best option to overcome this barrier, getting a friend to check the work over ensures better work.
Potential Barrier in communication (Terminology)
Using the wrong terminology is very poor quality communication; it can lead to misunderstanding of an important issue, terminology that is too simple, example, thingy and stuff, is far too vague of terminology to understand, if someone is having a technical discussion about something they need to use technical terminology. The wrong terminology can also result in loss of interest.
How to overcome
There is no easy way to correct terminology; use same level of technical language, provide audience with information about the topic to make communication easier, example: handouts.
Potential Barrier in communication (Loss of interest)
Loss of interest is the cause of poor communication, meaning a boring issue is being discussed or incorrect terminology is being used. The subject might not be relevant to people in the audience, talking too quietly, talking in a monotone.
How to overcome
There are numerous ways to overcome loss of interest, for example: talking in different tones relevant to the subject, interact with the audience, use interesting sideshows, video clips, and pictures. Loss of interest is only caused by: a boring subject, the wrong terminology, talking in monotone, these problems can easily be solved.