Smith 1 Latorrie Smith Dr. Clifford Stumme Interdisciplinary Studies 400-B02 29 May 2020 Topic and Research Question Topic: Exploring Business Leaders in the United States and the Strategies they use to Enhance Team Communication Comment by Stumme, Clifford James (College Applied Studies & Acad Succ): This is pretty broad and vague. Get more specific. Comment by Stumme, Clifford James (College Applied Studies & Acad Succ): Avoid the word “and.” It turns one topic into two. Hypothesis: PMs’ strategies to enhance communication skills among project members. Research Question: What are the strategies that PMs utilize to enhance communication skills among project members? Comment by Stumme, Clifford James (College Applied Studies & Acad Succ): A hypo should be a prediction of a future result. What observable, measurable result are you predicting in an experiment situation? Comment by Stumme, Clifford James (College Applied Studies & Acad Succ): Don’t we already know the answer to this question? I would think we could find this in an article or a textbook? Keep in mind that you should be proposing unique, new research. Now, there is a way to dive into this topic deeper and find new research, but you’d have to narrow and get unique to the point that no one else has studied this before. Disciplines Incorporated: Communication and Business. Comment by Stumme, Clifford James (College Applied Studies & Acad Succ): Good choices. Justification: Communication is essential in any aspect of life and, therefore, in business. Communication and business make an interdisciplinary in that for a business to run, communication is vital. For the research topic, business leaders in the United States, especially project managers, will be analyzed to understand how their communication strategies enhance communication between the project team members that they lead. The study will incorporate a qualitative single case study research to answer the research question. The sample for the study is senior-level PMPs in Virginia. The members are from the PMP association in Virginia. Various methods can be used, such as quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. When researchers use numerical data, then the research is quantitative. In qualitative research, the aim is to learn the understanding of the participants on the research question. A mixed-method applies both qualitative and quantitative studies. Quantitative and mixed methods cannot be used in the research, and the most applicable one is a qualitative approach. Given that there are no variables to be compared, qualitative research is most suitable. Also, the research question seeks to understand the approaches used by the PMPs, which is qualitative in nature. Running head: ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR 1 ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR 5 Organizational Behavior By: Ameki Lee South University Dr. Essler MGT7105 SU01 Seminar in Group and Team Behavior 05/14/2020 Organizational Behavior Group an.

1. Smith 1
Latorrie Smith
Dr. Clifford Stumme
Interdisciplinary Studies 400-B02
29 May 2020
Topic and Research Question
Topic: Exploring Business Leaders in the United States and the
Strategies they use to Enhance Team Communication
Comment by Stumme, Clifford James (College Applied
Studies & Acad Succ): This is pretty broad and vague. Get more
specific. Comment by Stumme, Clifford James (College
Applied Studies & Acad Succ): Avoid the word “and.” It turns
one topic into two.
Hypothesis: PMs’ strategies to enhance communication skills
among project members. Research Question: What are the
strategies that PMs utilize to enhance communication skills
among project members? Comment by Stumme, Clifford James
(College Applied Studies & Acad Succ): A hypo should be a
prediction of a future result. What observable, measurable result
are you predicting in an experiment situation? Comment by
Stumme, Clifford James (College Applied Studies & Acad
Succ): Don’t we already know the answer to this question? I
would think we could find this in an article or a textbook? Keep
in mind that you should be proposing unique, new research.
Now, there is a way to dive into this topic deeper and find new
research, but you’d have to narrow and get unique to the point
that no one else has studied this before.
Disciplines Incorporated: Communication and Business.
Comment by Stumme, Clifford James (College Applied
Studies & Acad Succ): Good choices.
Justification: Communication is essential in any aspect of life
and, therefore, in business. Communication and business make
an interdisciplinary in that for a business to run, communication

2. is vital. For the research topic, business leaders in the United
States, especially project managers, will be analyzed to
understand how their communication strategies enhance
communication between the project team members that they
lead. The study will incorporate a qualitative single case study
research to answer the research question. The sample for the
study is senior-level PMPs in Virginia. The members are from
the PMP association in Virginia. Various methods can be used,
such as quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods
approaches. When researchers use numerical data, then the
research is quantitative. In qualitative research, the aim is to
learn the understanding of the participants on the research
question. A mixed-method applies both qualitative and
quantitative studies. Quantitative and mixed methods cannot be
used in the research, and the most applicable one is a qualitative
approach. Given that there are no variables to be compared,
qualitative research is most suitable. Also, the research question
seeks to understand the approaches used by the PMPs, which is
qualitative in nature.
Running head: ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR 1
ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR 5
Organizational Behavior
By: Ameki Lee
South University
Dr. Essler
MGT7105 SU01 Seminar in Group and Team Behavior
05/14/2020

3. Organizational Behavior
Group and Team Behavior Dynamics at Boeing
Summary
Boeing is one of the leading companies in the aerospace
industry. The company was established in 1916 and its long
history of manufacturing products (such as military aircraft,
commercial planes, satellites, security systems as well as
defense systems) has been a significant contributor to the
company’s success in the field. Boeing has a strong presence
globally with a distribution structure of its employees and
partners in 70+ countries worldwide (Boeing, 2020). The
company has gained a competitive advantage over its
competitors as a result of integrating modern technology in its
products during the manufacturing process as well as they strive
to meet its customers’ needs. Other than this, Boeing facilitates
customers in their options for financing. Boeing has its
organization split into three business units including Boeing
defense, missiles and security (military aircraft), space and
communication, and Boeing commercial airplanes. From this,
the customers of Boeing can easily be recognized as military
and commercial airlines respectively. Also, there is a possibility
to have private customers (who purchase private jets and
security equipment from Boeing). Commercial aircraft are
divided into seven distinct families that are manufactured at
Boeing and the segments of the planes are assembled in two

4. facilities namely Renton and Everett. The company has
embraced diversity and talent among its employees. This is a
contributing factor to the success of the company (Boeing,
2020). Boeing promotes talent by employing highly-skilled
workers in every department in the company. The
implementation of diverse teams in the company is a significant
contributor to enhancing innovations and improving the
relations in the company. These factors are known to promote
success in the company (Boeing, 2020).
Introduction
The development of teams and groups in organizations has
been incorporated as the new norm. The team-based
organization has gradually become an embraced organizational
behavior in many companies worldwide. The key concept of this
organizational behavior is the grouping of the employees in an
organization into units based on their professional
qualifications as well as occupational expectations. In
comparison, groups are comprised of professionals who aim at
improving their performance by sharing information. Teams and
groups hold very strong roots in organizations (Boeing, 2020).
To achieve maximum efficiency of the multi-billion-dollar
business, Boeing has implemented organizational structures that
are based on the use of teams and groups. This has given rise to
the organizational culture of embraced team diversity in the
workforce. Diversity is valued at every level in the organization
as well as every work process; it is embraced in terms of views,
competencies, and technical skills. Despite the positive
contributions of diverse teams and groups in the organization,
the implementation process has contributed to various
challenges concerning the group and team behavior dynamics
(Huddleston Jr., 2019).
Symptoms of the Problems
Although Boeing has shown significant improvements over
the years, it is faced with various problems that contribute to
negative results in the company. Most of these problems are
inter-related with the groups’ and teams’ behavior in the

5. company (Goldstein, 2020). Some problems Boeing faces are all
characterized by various issues that are rooted in the diversity
of teams and the ability of a team to function as a unit. Possible
problems can be easily identified with visible symptoms in the
company. Some of the symptoms present in teams include; 1)
team leaders assuming a dominance position, 2) a working
environment that is consumed with blame, fear and defensive
acts, 3) varying participation levels by the team members, 4)
uneven use of the group’s resources, 4) avoiding differences
and potential conflicts rather than solving them, 5) minimal
interaction between the team members, and 6) dysfunctional
group procedures and norms. Other than these team-related
symptoms, other general symptoms include; 1) reduced rates of
production, 2) errors in the produced goods, 3) lack of cohesion,
and 4) negativity. The identification of these symptoms early
enough could aid Boeing to establish possible problems the
company might face and strategize to either avoid it or solve it
before mega damage is done (Campbell, 2019).
Evidence that the Problems Actually Exist
The existence of the problems at Boeing has well been
established from the effectiveness of its products. In recent
years, there have been multiple crashes of Boeing aircraft with
the recent one being Boeing 737 that crashed in 2019
(Goldstein, 2020). There was also an explosion of a new Boeing
product early in the year during the testing stage in the
production process. These crashes contradict the safety
requirements needed during the production process. Also, there
is evidence of a demoralized engineering team in the company
in relation to the crashes. Constant blame games within the
teams in the organization to evade the trouble that comes along
with these crashes are common in such instances and conflicts
might easily arise. These are all evidence that the company is
facing various problems. With the recent changes in
management, Boeing’s new CEO is left with the challenge of
addressing these problems while improving the quality of its
products and maintaining high standards in the industry.

6. Another evidence that shows the existence of problems is the
statistics of safety complaints filed by the employees of Boeing
over issues present in the manufacturing process including
shoddy production practices and tools being left on the planes
(Huddleston Jr., 2019).
Relevant Group and Team Themes that might Explain the
Problems
One key theme that might explain the problems Boeing faces is
ineffective teams (Campbell, 2019). Teams being fundamental
components at Boeing ought to be effective else their key
purpose of promoting success in the company is defeated. The
effectiveness of a team can be measured based on its overall
performance as well as the overall outcome of its projects.
Ineffective teams at Boeing are dangerous as the manufacture of
its products involves the safety of many people. Efforts of the
dedicated team members are hardly realized when a team is
termed ineffective. Incompetent team members at Boeing tend
to drag down the dedicated members. Other than this, the
impacts of ineffective teams can be extended to other
departments in the organization and cause a whole of damage
especially in the production process (Campbell, 2019).
Ineffective teams are not solely built by its members; there are
also other causative factors. Establishing these factors will aid
Boeing to solve this problem.
Ineffective teams are built as a result of various negative factors
in the organization. Some of the causative factors that
contribute to ineffective teams at Boeing include;
i. Ineffective leadership: This the major contributor of
ineffective teams at Boeing. Lack of effective leaders causes a
power struggle between the team members and this leads them
to shift their concentrations from their roles and
responsibilities. Also, their shifted focus is attributed to the
lack of a defined vision of the team.
ii. Lack of participation from team members: Poor attendance of
team meetings contribute to poor or no participation of team
members. As a result, the team members do not meet deadlines

7. and do not complete allocated tasks.
iii. The conflict between team members: Heightened tensions
among team members might result in personal attacks and
aggressive gestures. Such an environment makes Boeing an
ineffective working place and also the resolution of conflict
amongst the team members becomes a challenge.
iv. Poor communication: Silence during team meetings as well
as talking over each other and interrupting team members
overthrows the whole purpose and benefits of teams and
contributes to ineffective teams.
v. Low morale: Low or lack of morale among the team members
at Boeing destroys the motivation to work and effectively
perform their responsibilities.
vi. Lack of problem-solving and decision-making skills: Facing
problems head-on and formulating a solution as well as making
skillful decisions are vital in teams to promote growth in the
company. Lack of these vital skills might contribute to failure
in the teams and the organization at large.
vii. Absence of team identity: Poor collaboration and the lack of
commitment and effort among team members contributes to a
lack of accountability towards the objective of the teams
instigated at Boeing.
Each of these factors is important and ought to be thoroughly
looked into so as Boeing can completely eradicate the problem
of ineffective teams in the company. Doing this will contribute
to increased success in the company and also give the company
a competitive advantage over its competitors in the industry.
References
Boeing (2020). About the Company. Retrieved from
https://www.boeing.com/company/
The website discusses the history of Boeing right from its

8. formation in the year 1916. This article gives us the progress of
the company right from its production. The different aspects of
the manufacturing process are well illustrated and so are the
products that define the company. The article gives us a
thorough analysis of the company.
Campbell, D. (2019, May 2). The many human errors that
brought down the Boeing 737 Max. Retrieved from
https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/2/18518176/boeing-737-max-
crash-problems-human-error-mcas-faa
The author establishes that the problems the company, Boeing,
faces are a result of human errors both within the organization
and those operating the products. Although some of the errors
are unavoidable as they are always identified in mid-air, Boeing
is capable of handling the problems within the organization
before the purchase of the products. Teams of engineers and
other departments within the organization are seen to be
contributors to the problems. Ineffective teams are established
as a factor in this article.
Goldstein, M. (2020, January 5). In 2020, Have Boeing’s
Problems Just Begun? Retrieved from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgoldstein/2020/01/05/in-
2020-have-boeings-problems-just-begun/#56f634f745a0
The author establishes concerns present in Boeing in relation to
its manufacturing process as a result of the various crashes from
Boeing aircraft. Stating the history of the company, there is an
establishment of the problems that are relevantly affecting the
company as well as the users of the products. Having his focus
on the crashes, he proves that the problems at Boeing exist.
Huddleston Jr., T, (2019, April 20). Boeing’s Dreamliner jet is
now facing claims of manufacturing issues. Retrieved
fromhttps://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/20/boeings-dreamliner-jet-
now-facing-claims-of-manufacturing-issues-nyt-report.html
The author establishes the discussion based on the complaints
filed by workers at Boeing who stated that there are
manufacturing issues in the company. Through this, the author
institutes that there are problems in the company and shows that

9. the proof of these problems. This article is a significant
contributor to this research paper as it aids in forming its base.
Please Use the following for your Week Five Paper
Organization
Case Organization
Summarize the key details about your organization (who it is
and what it does).
Organization Problems
Summarize your diagnosis of organizational problems, being
sure to differentiate between symptoms and root causes. Focus
on team behavior themes.
Consequences of No Action
Assess the consequences to the organization if interventions
(solutions) to the problems are not implemented.
Benefits of Intervention
Assess the potential benefits to the organization if interventions
are successful.
Intervention Plan
Justify an intervention plan (i.e., what, who, and when).
Evaluation Plan

10. Justify an evaluation plan (i.e., how you will know your
interventions were successful).
Other Tips:
Remember your introduction and conclusion. In addition, your
papers in Weeks 1 and 3 already covered the first 2 sections of
this paper. Please try to reword rather than use the exact
material from those papers. In addition, I recommend you go
back to the papers I returned and incorporate the recommended
suggestions for improvement in this paper.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1zuTPBEYDtfIs6sX4LglndX
M-lm46BncW