ASSIGNMENT
PROGRAMME: BACHELOR OF COMMERCE HONOURS IN HUMAN RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT
MODULE: ORGANISATIONAL
BEHAVIOUR
TOTAL MARKS: 70 MARKS
Guidelines
• Students must answer the questions fully but concisely and as directly as possible,
using sufficient research and application. All research should be referenced, using
the Harvard referencing protocols.
• The mark allocation is an indication of the weight and the length of the question.
• The responses must be your own work. Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty
and will not be tolerated.
Format:
• Ariel 11
• 1.5 spacing
Read the following article and answer the questions that follow:
Case Study: The Changing Dynamics at ZenCom Ltd
Background: ZenCom Ltd is a medium-sized technology firm experiencing rapid growth and
market competition. Initially, the company had a flat structure with flexible work policies, which
fostered high employee satisfaction and innovation. However, as it expanded, several
operational challenges emerged. The company adopted a hierarchical structure to improve
efficiency, but this led to dissatisfaction among employees.
John, the CEO, believes that focusing on employee motivation and leadership development
can address these issues. However, the newly appointed HR Director, Mary, feels the core
issue lies with the company’s cultural shift and poor communication practices. Additionally,
teamwork challenges have surfaced, with some teams struggling to achieve synergy.
ZenCom is now facing a dilemma. Should they continue with the hierarchical structure or adopt
a hybrid model that balances structure with flexibility? As a leader, John needs to realign the
company’s culture, motivate employees, and improve communication while fostering
teamwork to ensure long-term sustainability.
QUESTION ONE [20]
1.1 Explain the role of motivation theories in addressing ZenCom’s employee
dissatisfaction. Use two motivation theories to recommend practical steps for
improving employee engagement at ZenCom. (10)
1.2 Critically discuss how the company’s shift in organisational culture affected employee
morale and performance. In your response, refer to relevant concepts such as
Schwartz’s value theory or types of organisational culture. (10)
QUESTION TWO [20]
2.1 Compare and contrast transformational leadership with transactional leadership.
Identify which leadership style would be more suitable for ZenCom in the context of
change and justify your choice. (10)
2.2 Apply Kotter’s Change Management Model to the situation at ZenCom. Provide a step-
by-step approach that John can follow to successfully realign the company’s goals with
employee expectations. (10)
QUESTION THREE [15]
3.1 Identify two communication barriers present at ZenCom and discuss strategies to
overcome them. Refer to relevant communication models or theories from the module
guide. (8)
3.2 Discuss how team diversity and group processes affect performance in ZenCom’s
teams. Suggest ways to enhance synergy among team members. (7)
QUESTION FOUR [15]
4.1 Critically evaluate the impact of hierarchical vs hybrid structures on innovation,
decision-making, and employee autonomy at ZenCom. Use relevant organisational
design theories to support your answer. (8)
4.2 Recommend a suitable structure for ZenCom moving forward. Justify your
recommendation based on the company’s growth trajectory and employee needs. (7)
Note: Ensure your answers are well-structured, clear, and concise. Support your arguments
with relevant examples and references where appropriate.
END OF ASSIGNMENT
