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Humans in Organizations Assignment (100 points)

Due: April 17 at 12:00 p.m. (noon)

Purpose

Throughout the semester, you have explored human development across the lifespan, including

how individuals grow within social, relational, and cultural contexts. This assignment asks you to

shift your focus to an organizational setting and analyze how systems, structures, and contexts

shape human development—and how individuals, in turn, influence the organization.

Overview of the Assignment

You will select one organization and conduct a structured observation of a single gathering

(e.g., meeting, practice, event). Using detailed field notes, you will analyze the organization

through multiple course theories and conclude with an evidence-based recommendation to

enhance the organization’s developmental health.

Possible organizations include: – Student clubs or organizations – Greek life chapters – Sports

teams – Religious groups – Campus jobs – Co-curricular programs

You must attend one distinct gathering with the sole purpose of observation.

Part 1: Field Observation (30 points)

Data Collection: Field Notes

Submit a typed account of your observations. Focus on describing what you see and hear rather

than evaluating or interpreting.

Address each of the following areas:

1. Physical Environment

● How is the space arranged

● Who sits or stands where

● What does the layout suggest about hierarchy or power

2. Artifacts

● What symbols, logos, clothing, tools, or materials are visible or used

3. Rituals and Norms

● How does the gathering begin and end

● What repetitive actions occur

● What unwritten rules or norms are evident

4. Language

● Identify three specific terms, phrases, or acronyms that an outsider may not

understand.

5. The People

Describe evidence of developmental processes, such as:

– Developmental stages or tasks

– Growth vs. fixed mindset

– Erikson’s psychosocial stages

– Marcia’s ego identity statuses

– Attachment styles

– Emotional reactivity or responsiveness

– Types of perfectionism

Talents and Strengths

● Which of your own talents or strengths were relevant in this setting

● Identify talents or strengths observed in others.

● Use the Four Domains of Talent (Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, Strategic

Thinking) to understand how the talents of the team/organization/group are being

utilized..

● Provide at least one specific example.

Part 2: Critical Analysis Memo (50 points)

Write a 2.5–3 page, single-spaced memo that analyzes your field notes using at least three

course theories. Your analysis should be integrative, thoughtful, and clearly connected to your

observations.

Address the following frameworks:

1. Ecological Systems Theory

● Identify key microsystem norms within the organization.

● Analyze how these norms align or conflict with the university’s broader macrosystem

values (e.g., competition vs. community).

● Note any additional systems (mesosystem, exosystem) that are particularly influential.

2. Four Domains of Talent

● Executing

● Influencing

● Relationship Building

● Strategic Thinking

3. Internal Working Models

● What do observed behaviors suggest about members’ expectations of self, others, or

relationships

4. Social Norms

● How do norms shape behavior, inclusion, participation, or power within the

organization

If available, incorporate the organization’s mission statement and analyze how well it aligns

with observed practices.

Part 3: Recommendation (20 points)

Conclude with one specific, actionable recommendation to improve the organization’s

developmental health.

Your recommendation should: – Be realistic and clearly defined – Be supported by

evidence-based findings from course readings and/or lectures – Address how the change could

better support members’ development and/or organizational goals

Example:

> To improve psychological safety for new members, the organization should replace the “cold

call” ritual with a structured “pair-and-share” activity.

Submission Notes

● Use clear headings and professional academic writing

● Ground all claims in observation and theory

● Maintain confidentiality (do not use real names)

Student-Friendly Checklist

Before the Observation

I selected one organization and one specific gathering

I attended with the sole purpose of observing

I did not use real names or identifying details

Field Notes (Part 1)

Physical environment described

Artifacts identified

Rituals and unwritten norms noted

Three insider terms or acronyms listed

Developmental concepts observed (e.g., Erikson, mindset, identity)

Talents and strengths identified with at least one example

Analysis Memo (Part 2)

2.5–3 pages, single-spaced

At least three course theories applied

Ecological systems clearly analyzed

Four Domains of Talent addressed

Internal Working Models discussed

Social norms analyzed

Organization’s mission included (if available)

Recommendation (Part 3)

One clear, actionable recommendation provided

Supported by readings and/or lecture

Addresses developmental health and organizational goals

Final Check

Headings used for each section

Writing is clear and professional

Assignment submitted by April 17 at 12:00 p.m.