Practicing Organizational Behavior Case Analysis
Students are expected to complete a five- to seven-page, double-spaced case analysis. For this analysis instructor will assign a case or give guidelines to use in selecting a topic.
Analytical skills are critical in the field of psychology. In order to practice these skills, a scientific method of logical approach is used to examine an issue, create and evaluate alternatives, and eventually draw conclusions and make recommendations.
For this case analysis, use an essay format as a written summary of your analysis and follow this seven- step format in writing your case study:
Step 1: Problem Definition
Assume the problem has more than one source or cause. First, look at the problem or the issue like the tip of an iceberg, or what you see sticking out of the water. Second, view the causes or sources like the rest of the iceberg, or what you might find lurking under the surface.
Identify those underlying symptoms in an effort to understand the problem as much as possible. Which symptoms require immediate attention? Which symptoms might abate as a byproduct of addressing something else? Which symptoms could easily intensify and become new problems?
Step 2: Justification of Problem Definition
Examine the information you have about the problem and make some initial statements about why the problem exists. You will find facts to support some of your ideas and may have to make assumptions to support others. It is important to consider as many reasons as possible for the purpose of creating a balanced case study. Make sure to note which statements are factual and which are inferred.
Step 3: List Alternative Courses of Action
Without censoring yourself, create a list of alternative courses of action. This is your first attempt at solving the problem using creative thinking. This list can include solutions that may seem impossible to implement and is by no means your final conclusion: This is a brainstorming session where each thought has the potential to turn into something comprehensive and final.
Step 4: Evaluate Alternatives
Now is the time to get critical: Look at the alternatives you came up with in Step 3 and list the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Step 5: Review
Narrate your thoughts about what you’ve got so far. What does your initial research tell you about the problem? What questions do you have that as of yet remain unanswered? What do you still need to address?
Step 6: Draw Conclusions, Make Recommendations
Choose one of the alternatives you came up with in Step 3 that you would recommend be implemented and justify your decision.
Make sure to address specifically how, when, who should be responsible, what materials (if any) are needed, who should supervise the implementation, etc. Be as specific as you can.
Step 7: Follow Up and Evaluate
Explain how you would evaluate your recommendation. Come up with a procedure that can be followed and provide a timetable, suggestions for execution, persons responsible, and what the follow up should consist of.
