Lead and Manage Effective Workplace Relationships

This study will focus on identifying and developing the code of conduct for an organization, developing various workplace communication and consultation policies and procedures, the importance of networking, and the importance of meetings in addressing workplace issues effectively.

LEAD AND MANAGE EFFECTIVE WORKPLACE
RELATIONSHIPS
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Assessment Task 1...........................................................................................................................5
Question and Answers.....................................................................................................................5
Q1 Outline five key benefits to an organization for developing and implementing workplace
policies and procedures....................................................................................................................5
Q2 Discuss the purpose of each of the following Acts and for each Act explain why the Act is
important for ensuring effective workplace relationships:..............................................................5
Q3 Outline key steps that should be followed to identify and resolve workplace problems and to
promote effective workplace relationships......................................................................................6
Q4 Discuss three effective conflict resolution techniques that can be used to support effective
workplace relationships...................................................................................................................6
Q5 Explain the purpose of a workplace Code of Conduct and how it can assist in ensuring a
harmonious workplace.....................................................................................................................7
Q6 Discuss three reasons why networking with others within the workplace, as well as external
contacts leads to a more productive and effective workplace environment....................................7
Q7 Outline two examples of barriers to effective interpersonal communication and at least two
communication strategies that can be implemented at work to ensure effective workplace
communication................................................................................................................................7
Q8 Explain two key benefits to an employer of implementing a diversity policy and procedure. .8
Q9 Explain the value of consulting with employees on workplace issues......................................8
Q10 Explain the requirements under Modern Awards to consult with employees, including the
circumstances in which consultation is required and the steps that must be taken by employers in
consulting with employers...............................................................................................................9
Assessment Task 2.........................................................................................................................10
Developing a code of conduct.......................................................................................................10
Develop Workplace Communication and consultation Policy and Procedures............................11
Communication protocols for meetings in relation to sending out of agendas and writing up
minutes:..........................................................................................................................................11
Develop Dispute Resolution Policy and Procedures.....................................................................12
Send an email to staff:...................................................................................................................12
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Revise your workplace documents................................................................................................13
Send an email to staff....................................................................................................................13
Assessment Task 3.........................................................................................................................14
Networking Project........................................................................................................................14
Develop a networking plan............................................................................................................14
Participate in and report on a networking opportunity..................................................................15
Send an email to assessor..............................................................................................................16
Assessment Task 4.........................................................................................................................18
Managing workplace difficulties project.......................................................................................18
Prepare for meeting to resolve workplace difficulties:..................................................................18
Send an email to Beth....................................................................................................................18
Conduct meeting to resolve difficulties:........................................................................................19
Follow up meeting (Email)............................................................................................................20
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................21
References......................................................................................................................................22
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Introduction
This study will focus on identifying and developing the code of conduct for an organization. It
will further focus on developing various workplace communication and consultation policies and
procedures in order to ensure smooth functioning of the organization in a long run. It will discuss
about the ethical values, morals and principles that need to be followed by each and every
member of the organization to maintain a harmonious environment within the organization. It
will further explain the importance of networking which is essential to expand business prospects
of an organization. Lastly, it will discuss about the importance of meetings in order to address
workplace issues effectively.
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Assessment Task 1
Question and Answers
Q1 Outline five key benefits to an organization for developing and implementing
workplace policies and procedures
Development and implementation of well-developed policies and procedures have provided
various benefits to an organization. Some of them are:
 They help organizations to achieve their long term goals and conduct day-to day operations
in the most effective ways by shaping all essential decisions and functions.
 They guide employees to know what is expected from them as per the standards of
performance and behavior (Shea et al., 2016).
 They help managers and employees to make fair decisions in day-to-day situations with the
help of various set guidelines and rules without any biasness.
 They help in adopting a clear and consistent response across organization in situations
relating to employee interaction and provide protection from employment legislation
breaches (Trinchero, Farr-Wharton & Brunetto, 2017).
 They provide means of communication to employees and set frameworks in the way of
delegating powers.
Q2 Discuss the purpose of each of the following Acts and for each Act explain why the Act
is important for ensuring effective workplace relationships:
The purposes of the above- mentioned benefits are explained below along with their importance:
 To achieve long term goals along with short term goals so that the organization can sustain
effectively and efficiently in the competitive markets
 To maintain a sound business environment within the workplace so that conflicts and
misunderstandings do not occur among employees
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 To handle problematic situations tactfully so that fair judgments are made without any
biasness (McDonald, Charlesworth & Graham, 2015)
 To resolve conflicts and tensions within the workplace so that employer-employee
relationships can be improved
 To provide power and authority to employees so that they can take decisions on their own in
specific situations (Oliver & Walpole, 2015)
Q3 Outline key steps that should be followed to identify and resolve workplace problems
and to promote effective workplace relationships
Key steps to resolve problems related to workplace are mentioned below:
 Identifying issues clearly by considering different views from different persons and
separating the most effective views from the remaining ones
 Understanding and considering everyone’s interests
 Listing the various possible solutions
 Evaluating the solutions properly
 Selecting the best solution from all listed solutions (Opengart & Bierema, 2015)
 Documenting the agreement with implications and details of the solution
Q4 Discuss three effective conflict resolution techniques that can be used to support
effective workplace relationships
Three effective conflict resolution techniques are illustrated below:
 Avoiding: This technique is often used by employees in big organizations. Employees just
tend to ignore the persons, with whom they are in conflict, using this approach.
 Competing: This technique is used by employees in formal organizations. Employees tend
to compete with their colleagues in terms of work, with whom they are in conflict with, using
this approach (Methot et al., 2016).
 Collaborating: In this approach, members co-operate in order to develop a shared solution,
which is accepted by all.
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Q5 Explain the purpose of a workplace Code of Conduct and how it can assist in ensuring a
harmonious workplace
The main purpose of a workplace code of conduct is to provide staffs and employees with clear
expectations and standards of how to perform their jobs. They set the ethical principles, rules,
values and vision of organizations which help the same organizations in accomplishing both their
long term and short term goals effectively and efficiently. The workplace code of conduct sets
various behavioral standards for every person relating to the organization. Members of the
organization are bound to follow the same while interacting with one another within the
organization. Thus, it actually helps in ensuring a harmonious environment within the workplace
(Abugre, 2018).
Q6 Discuss three reasons why networking with others within the workplace, as well as
external contacts leads to a more productive and effective workplace environment
Business networking plays a vital role in the way of making workplace environment more
effective and productive. The three reasons are illustrated below:
 It helps in generating more referrals for the business. Internal networking will help in
improving employer-employee relationships and external networking will help in enhancing
new business prospects (Watson et al., 2019)
 It brings more opportunities for the business to expand and extend their business activities
 It increases connections by sharing a chain of essential knowledge about the organization
with outsiders so that those can be circulated well with their help through social media or
other sources.
Q7 Outline two examples of barriers to effective interpersonal communication and at least
two communication strategies that can be implemented at work to ensure effective
workplace communication
Two examples of barriers to effective interpersonal communication can be:
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 Differences in viewpoint and perception: Two employees of an organization can have
conflict as their viewpoint and perceptions may differ.
 Physical disabilities: Some employees may have speech difficulties and hearing problems
which can create a hinder in the way of accomplishment of tasks within the set period (Lacity
& Willcocks, 2017).
Two communication strategies that can address the above two problems effectively are:
 Verbal communication strategies: Organizations can adopt both written and oral
communication strategies in order to ensure smooth flow of communication within the
workplace.
 Non-verbal communication strategies: Organizations can adopt non-verbal communication
strategies such as facial expressions, body languages, visual cues, voice tone and many more
in order to help people with physical disabilities (Church, 2016).
Q8 Explain two key benefits to an employer of implementing a diversity policy and
procedure
Two key benefits that are being enjoyed by employer with a diversity policy and procedure are:
Effective communication: A diverse range of policy and procedures help organizations to
ensure effective flow of two-way communication within the workplace.
Enhanced production and innovation: A diverse range of policy and procedures help
organizations to encourage innovation among employees and enhance more outputs every year.
Q9 Explain the value of consulting with employees on workplace issues
Consultation with employees helps in:
 Building strong employer-employee relations
 Maintaining a harmonious environment within the workplace
 Promoting innovation
 Enhancing employee skills
 Enhancing team work
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 Accomplishing goals effectively (Schmidt, B. J., MacWilliams & Neal-Boylan, 2017)
Q10 Explain the requirements under Modern Awards to consult with employees, including
the circumstances in which consultation is required and the steps that must be taken by
employers in consulting with employers
Modern Award can be considered as a document with specific terms and conditions related to
work and workplace which every employee should know. The entitlements are related with pay,
rosters, work hours, breaks, and overtime and penalty rates. These entitlements provide basic
knowledge to employees regarding the actual standards that need to be maintained by them
(Webster, 2016).
As per the Fair Work Act, 2009, consultation is required when:
 A major workplace change needed within the organizational structure
 An employee needs to be terminated
 An organization decides on implementing changes that can affect unpaid parental leaves of
employees (Tourani, Adams & Serebrenik, 2017)
Steps to discharge consultation obligation are:
 Engaging in early consultation
 Providing employees with fair opportunities to present their views
 Remaining open to opinions
 Sharing comprehensive information with employees
 Keeping records of meetings
 Listening to employees’ requests (Afsar & Rehman, 2015)
 Reviewing any opinions provided by employees
 Explaining rationale for implementing change within the workplace
 Considering to seek legal advice if necessary
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Assessment Task 2
Developing a code of conduct
Introduction: This code of conduct has been developed in order to make members of the
organization aware of the various behavioral standards that need to be maintained within the
workplace while interacting with fellow members.
Scope: It applies to all the members related with the organization and working for the attainment
of some common goals.
Details of expected personal and professional behavior:
Employees should behave politely and should maintain a formal environment within the
organization during the working hours. Employees should not discriminate with fellow members
on any grounds relating to race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation and age. They
should respect their fellow members while working as a team. Harassment will not be tolerated
at all within the workplace. Employees should take care of the assets of the organization and
make sure that those are not misused. They should promote team work and complete tasks within
time instead of blaming the deadlines and management. They are expected of maintain ethical
behavior with co-workers and taking ethical decisions while dealing with problematic situations.
Violation of these rules will result in strict actions or termination.
Conflict of interest requirements: Use avoids and cooperative techniques in order to manage
conflicts effectively that arise due to difference in interests. Report immediately if any third party
influences to obtain confidential data. Strict actions will be taken immediately against such
influencers.
Gifts, benefits and hospitality: Giving and receiving gifts are not allowed within the
organization if benefits are involved and will be considered as conflict of interest.
Outside employment and consulting: Seeking consultation from a third party relating internal
matters are strictly prohibited and if such actions are found within the workplace, he or she will
be liable to on-spot termination.
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Use of social media: Using social media is strictly prohibited during office hours unless it is
related with work affairs.
Develop Workplace Communication and consultation Policy and Procedures
Purpose: To ensure the flow of effective communication within the workplace along with best
consultation practices
Scope: Communication and consultation policies and procedures are applicable to all,
irrespective of race, gender, religion, age, etc.
Communication strategies for communicating with staff: Three kinds of communication will
be followed within the organization, non-verbal, verbal and formal in order to remove all the
barriers to effective communication and ensure smooth flow of the same within the workplace.
Strategy 1: Answering every employee through mails within the working hours
Strategy 2: Organizing meetings at every 6 months
Strategy 3: Employees should get opportunities to clear doubts and conflicts
Strategy 4: Consultation should be made every week on a fixed date approved by all.
Communication protocols for meetings in relation to sending out of agendas and writing up
minutes:
The organization will follow three kinds of communication protocols for meetings. These are:
Emails: Emails will be used as a strong communication tool for consultation with all the
members related with the organization.
Telecommunications: Telephones will be utilized in order to contact all the stakeholders for the
meetings
Notice: Notice shall be pasted on the official boards of the organization regarding essential
dates.
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Consultation process: The staffs will be given ample opportunities to contribute towards
workplace issues. Surveys will be held every week and employees will be asked various
questions randomly and their views and suggestions will be recorded. Suggestion forms will be
provided to employees in every weekend so that they can fill those with their views and submit
the same on every Monday inside the ballet box which is placed near the notice board. A doubt
clearing session will be provided to employees every Saturday after their working hours.
Employee can discuss about various challenges they are facing openly.
Develop Dispute Resolution Policy and Procedures
Purpose: To ensure resolution of conflicts effectively with minimal efforts without any loss of
the organization
Scope: Applicable to each and every member, either internal or external
A conflicting situation that often arises within the organization can be considered as a dispute
(Saragoza & White, 2016). Conflicting situations often arise due to difference in opinions or
interests among the members of the organization.
Responsibilities of managers in dispute: Managers are responsible to act smartly and handle
the situation tactfully so that both the interests of employees as well as managers are fulfilled at
the same time.
Responsibilities of employees in dispute: Employees are responsible to coordinate with
supervisors immediately during conflicts. They need to communicate their issue properly so that
the same can be addressed effectively by the supervisors in the end (James & Zoller, 2017).
Send an email to staff:
Dear Miss Simpson,
It is to inform you that I have attached all the necessary documents which have been prepared by
me including the documents of Code of Conduct, Communication and Consultation policy and
procedures and Dispute Resolution policy and procedures with this mail. You are requested to
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share the same with all the stakeholders and ask them to revert back with valuable feedbacks so
that I can update the same and finalize the documents.
Kindly find the attachments below.
Thank you…
Emilia Jones
General Manager
Accountancy Victoria
Revise your workplace documents
As per the feedbacks, training and development sessions should be included in the policies and
social media should be utilized for enhancing networks and opportunities. Any important
changes to workplace should be informed before and consultation should be made before taking
any prior decisions regarding implementation of changes.
Send an email to staff
Dear Miss Simpson,
I have updated all the three documents which I have forwarded you previously as per the
feedbacks. I have included training and development policies and added increased use of social
media to enhance business networks. I have added various policies related with change
management as well within the documents.
Kindly find the attachments below.
Thank you…
Emilia Jones
General Manager
Accountancy Victoria
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Assessment Task 3
Networking Project
Identify networks: Three networks have been identified which can provide maximum
networking opportunities and benefits to the organization. Those are:
Association of managers: Arrangement of meetings and conferences are provided by this
Association throughout the financial year.
A Facebook Group: An event of cricket will be held between members of Accountancy
Victoria and their competitors in the next six months.
Association of local business networks: Donation programs will be organized by this
association in weekly intervals to strengthen the goodwill of the organization.
Develop a networking plan
Name of the
Events
Sponsored By Place of Event Date and
Time
Cost of Event Brief
description of
expected
benefit
General
Meeting
Association of
Managers
City Hotel
Wettingen,
Australia
8th March,
2019 at sharp
9.00 am
$50 Suggestions
and feedbacks
can be taken
easily and
discussions
regarding
essential
decisions can
be made
effectively.
Office
Conference
Association of
Managers
Shamrock
Hotel
2nd June, 2019
at sharp 9.00
am
$45 Various skills
of employees
can be
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improved
Cricket Match Facebook
Group
Victoria
Ground
5th August,
2019 at sharp
11.00 am
$60 External
networks can
be improved
with enhanced
referrals
Donation
Program
Association of
local business
networks
Care Leavers
Australia
Network
9th Nov, 2019
at 12.00 pm
$90 Goodwill of
the
organization
will be
enhanced
General
Meeting
Association of
Managers
City Hotel
Wettingen,
Australia
23rd Jan, 2020
at sharp 9.00
am
$50 Suggestions
and feedbacks
can be taken
easily and
discussions
regarding
essential
decisions can
be made
effectively.
Office
Conference
Association of
Managers
Shamrock
Hotel
2nd March,
2020 at sharp
9.00 am
$45 Various skills
of employees
can be
improved
Participate in and report on a networking opportunity
Participate
d Event
Sponsored
by
Location Date &
Time
Cost Brief
description of
expected
benefit
Identified
Opportunities
General Association City Hotel 8th $50 Suggestions and  Interaction with
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Meeting of Managers Wettingen,
Australia
March,
2019 at
sharp
9.00 am
feedbacks can
be taken easily
and discussions
regarding
essential
decisions can be
made
effectively.
top level
executives in an
open manner
 Solving queries
more precisely
 Taking
suggestions and
feedbacks from
peers and
seniors
effectively
 Taking fair
decisions in
presence of
each and every
member of the
organization.
Send an email to assessor
Dear Miss Simpson,
It is to inform you that I am sending you the required document of the Networking Plan which I
have prepared for the next 12 months for the interests of the company. I am sending you the
report as well which is developed by me after participating in one of the events that are
mentioned in the Networking Plan.
Kindly find the attachments below.
Thank You…
Emilia Jones
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General Manager
Accountancy Victoria
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Assessment Task 4
Managing workplace difficulties project
Prepare for meeting to resolve workplace difficulties:
Performance of Beth, the Administration Assistant of Accountancy Victoria since the last
two months
Name of the Staff Work Experience Hometown Designation Performance
Beth 2 months Somalia Administration
Assistant
Poor as she is not
being able to
perform as per the
standards
mentioned in the
Code of Conduct
of the
organization.
She is not ordering
the stationary on
time, not sending
agendas for
meetings in the
correct formats
and not providing
clients with
appropriate
information
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Send an email to Beth
Dear Beth,
It is to inform you that a meeting will be held today at the conference room due to some serious
workplace issues which need to be discussed and resolved immediately as it is hampering the
smooth flow of the business to a great extent. You are requested to attend the same after the
working hours at sharp 6.00 pm.
Thank You…
Emilia Jones
General Manager
Accountancy Victoria
Conduct meeting to resolve difficulties:
Office Manager: Hi Beth, I think you have got some clues regarding the sudden organization of
this meeting, right?
Administration Assistant: Yes Ma’am, I think I know the reasons. I have made many mistakes
from the last two months which I was not supposed to do.
Office Manager: Well! You are right. You were not supposed to act which doesn’t comply with
the policies mentioned in the Code of Conduct. You are not completing your tasks within the
stipulated time given to you; may I know the reasons behind this delay?
Administration Assistant: Ma’am I am sorry for that but I am helpless at the same point as I do
not get work on time. This is the biggest reason that compels me to submit my tasks at a delay.
Office Manager: Ok, so you don’t get work on time. But what about the other issues that you
are making continuously. You are not ordering stationary on time, sending inappropriate formats
of agendas and providing incorrect information to clients. Are these considerable at all? Dear,
understand properly that if you keep on doing this continuously, the business will be hampered a
lot and the position of the organization will evident a tremendous downfall in near future. Are
you getting my points? Do you understand the seriousness of these issues? If you don’t serve
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your clients with appropriate information and don’t deliver tasks on time, then the company will
lose its goodwill in the eyes of its clients. Is it good for the organization?
Administration Assistant: No Ma’am, it is absolutely not good for the organization. I have
realized my mistakes and I am sorry for what I did in the last two months. I am requesting you to
provide me another chance to prove myself and rectify all my errors effectively. I assure you that
I won’t repeat the same mistakes in future anymore and I will improve my performance as well.
Office Manager: Ok dear, I am giving you another chance to prove yourself and rectify all the
issues effectively and ensure that those are not repeated in future. I will make sure that you get
your work on time every day. Anymore issues that you are facing while performing your work?
Administration Assistant: No Ma’am, no more issues.
Office Manager: Ok then. You can leave for the day. Thank you…
Administration Assistant: Thank you Ma’am.
Follow up meeting (Email)
Dear Beth,
It is to inform you that the issue of allocating work at delayed times will be taken into
consideration and work will be allocated on time to you and all other staffs regularly. I hope you
remember your promise of not rectifying your errors and not repeating the same in future
anymore. If you are facing any issues relating to accomplishment of tasks, you can share with me
through a mail. I assure you that those issues will be addressed effectively and will be taken care
of.
Thank You…
Emilia Jones
General Manager
Accountancy Victoria
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Conclusion
Based on the above study, it can be concluded that developing and implementing a code of
conduct within the organization helps the members to act ethically and perform in the same
manner that are stated in the code of conduct. The development and implementation of various
organizational policies and procedures help employees to conduct their day to day activities
effectively in order to accomplish organizational goals. These policies further help the members
of an organization to maintain a harmonious environment within the workplace and protect the
interests of employees in a fair manner.
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References
Abugre, J. A. (2018). Assessing ADR Mechanisms and Its Outcomes over Conventional Conflict
Resolution Mechanisms in Companies in Ghana: A Comparative Study of Domestic and
Multinational Companies (Doctoral dissertation, University of Ghana).
Afsar, B., & Rehman, M. (2015). The relationship between workplace spirituality and innovative
work behavior: The mediating role of perceived person–organization fit. Journal of
Management, Spirituality & Religion, 12(4), 329-353.
Church, A. (2016). Preference organisation and peer disputes: How young children resolve
conflict. Routledge.
James, E. P., & Zoller, H. M. (2017). Healthy workplace. The International Encyclopedia of
Organizational Communication, 1-10.
Lacity, M., & Willcocks, L. (2017). Conflict resolution in business services outsourcing
relationships. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 26(2), 80-100.
McDonald, P., Charlesworth, S., & Graham, T. (2015). Developing a framework of effective
prevention and response strategies in workplace sexual harassment. Asia Pacific Journal of
Human Resources, 53(1), 41-58.
Methot, J. R., Lepine, J. A., Podsakoff, N. P., & Christian, J. S. (2016). Are workplace
friendships a mixed blessing? Exploring tradeoffs of multiplex relationships and their
associations with job performance. Personnel psychology, 69(2), 311-355.
Oliver, D., & Walpole, K. (2015, June). Missing links: Connections between skills, qualifications
and pay in modern awards. In 23rd National Vocational Education and Training Research
Conference'No Frills'. National Centre for Vocational Education Research.
Opengart, R., & Bierema, L. (2015). Emotionally intelligent mentoring: Reconceptualizing
effective mentoring relationships. Human Resource Development Review, 14(3), 234-258.
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