Solutions for Miri & Co Partners’ Client

1. Improving Group Awareness (5 marks)

The client’s company is facing challenges due to a shift to a telecommuting model. Here are some ways to improve group awareness:

• Communication Platforms: Implement collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for real-time communication and information sharing.
• Virtual Meetings: Schedule regular virtual team meetings with clear agendas to discuss progress, challenges, and share best practices.
• Knowledge Sharing Sessions: Organize virtual workshops or lunch-and-learns where employees can share expertise and learn from each other.
• Internal Communication Channels: Create a company newsletter or intranet portal to share company updates, announcements, and success stories to foster a sense of connection.
• Social Activities: Encourage virtual team-building activities like online games, quizzes, or social events to build camaraderie and informal communication.

2. Microcosm Group Process (5 marks)

A microcosm group is a small, representative sample of a larger organization. Here’s how to use it to address finance department conflicts:

1. Selection: Choose a small group of employees from the finance department with diverse roles and perspectives.
2. Objective Setting: Clearly define the issue(s) the microcosm group will address, such as identifying causes of conflict or brainstorming solutions.
3. Facilitation: Provide a neutral facilitator to guide discussions and ensure everyone participates.
4. Data Collection: Gather qualitative and quantitative data from the microcosm group through discussions, surveys, or role-playing exercises.
5. Analysis and Recommendations: Analyze the data collected by the microcosm group to identify patterns and formulate recommendations for addressing conflict in the finance department.
6. Implementation: Present the microcosm group’s recommendations to the entire finance department and implement solutions collaboratively.

3. Disadvantages of Functional Structure (5 marks)

A functional structure groups employees by similar skills or expertise. While it can improve efficiency in specific tasks, it can have disadvantages in a telecommuting environment:

• Limited Collaboration: Functional silos can hinder communication and collaboration between departments, crucial for tackling complex challenges.
• Slow Decision-Making: Information flow might be impeded, leading to slower decision-making due to lack of cross-functional input.
• Limited Innovation: Focus on functional expertise can stifle innovation that often arises from collaboration across departments.
• Reduced Employee Engagement: Employees might feel isolated and less connected to the company’s overall goals in a purely functional structure.
• Challenges in Project Management: Coordinating projects that require input from multiple functions can be difficult in a telecommuting environment with a functional structure.

In conclusion, Miri & Co Partners can recommend a combination of improved group awareness strategies, utilizing a microcosm group to address finance department conflicts, and potentially considering a shift away from a purely functional structure to a more flexible, cross-functional model that fosters better collaboration in a telecommuting environment.