Business Psychology Assignment: Core Skills and Development Plan

This report delves into the realm of business psychology, exploring various psychological approaches to understanding individual behavior within a workplace setting. It begins with an introduction and an evaluation of these approaches, providing a foundation for understanding how people interact and perform in organizations. The core of the report consists of three reflective journals, each focusing on a specific skill: time management, team building, and focus and attention. These journals utilize a pro-forma to guide self-assessment, incorporating feedback and personal reflections to analyze current competence and identify areas for improvement. The report concludes with a summary action plan, outlining three key areas for development based on insights gleaned from the reflective journals. The report emphasizes the importance of these skills for personal and professional growth, referencing relevant psychological and business theories to support its arguments.

Business Psychology
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Introduction and brief evaluation of psychological approaches to understanding self and
others in the workplace (500 words)...........................................................................................3
3 x Reflective journals comprising 3 core skills from the list provided –. You must choose 3
core skills (I`m choosing - Focus and attention; Time-management; Team-working!!!)and
complete a pro-forma (see Appendix A) for each one of these skills. (1,500 words)................4
Summary Action Plan: Identify and reflect of 3 areas for development. Please ensure that the
chosen areas were identified from one or more of the four reflective journals (500 words) .....9
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................10
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INTRODUCTION
Business psychology is defined as the study as well as practise of enhancing and
improving the working life. It consists of understanding and analysing of individual behaviour
while working in the company. There is need for companies to know behaviour of the employees
working in the company for managing performance. The business psychology is helpful for
investigating the way in which people and organisations are made more effective. The following
report includes discussion about psychological approaches for understanding self and other
individuals of the workplace. There is reflection on core skills of the business person. At last,
there is a summary action plan which is based upon three areas of development.
Introduction and brief evaluation of psychological approaches to understanding self and others in
the workplace
There are different approaches within the business psychology that are used for analysing
the human behaviour and perspective. Some of the psychological approaches are mentioned
below-
Biological approach - The biological factors influence behaviour and mental well being
of an individual. The biological factors consists of genes and they are inherited from parents. The
way people behave in different situations and conditions is similar to their parents (Ballangrud,
Aase, and Vifladt, 2020). This means that in an organisation, people behave like their parents in
particular situations. It is important that managers are analysing their sub ordinate's behaviour so
that they can work efficiently.
Evolutionary approach – This is an approach which is associated with biological
composition of an individual. This is related to understanding and analysing the human
behaviour. According to this approach, it is assumed that mind of human is fine tuned in
association of environment. This theory states that if individual is adopting state of alertness in
preparation of aggressor then there is no stress. There are credible evidences that explains why a
person reacts aggressively in negative situations.
Behavioural approach – This is defined as the approach used by an individual in which
it is stated that outward behaviour is determined by the external environment. An individual can
learn from his own experience and this is shaped for behaving in different manner. There is a
person exhibition which is helpful for processing mind of an individual.
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Cognitive approach – There is different way of taking view of human behaviour and this
approach states that cognitive processes lead to a person for acting in a particular manner. This
approach is helpful in taking in depth look in the human and knowing the internal analysis of
person. The cognitive approach of psychology is associated with encoding, consolidation as well
as retrieval of memories (Bhavesh, Flak, 2020). This is helpful in studying the perception,
emotions and problem solving abilities within an individual. The cognitive approach tells that
human brain is also like a computer in which input is the activity assigned and output if the way
in which the activities are responded. In this existing knowledge regarding objects, events and
places affects the way in which individuals perceive and manage the day to day activities. This
affects memory of an individual and it is concluded that here are some memories in an
individual's life which are unforgettable.
Humanistic approach – When the humanistic approach is present within psychology
then there is emergence of various reactions which are associated with reductionism of human
behaviour for setting responses. This suggests that an approach is used for managing human
motivation. People are affected by experience and they react to different situations effectively.
The concept of behaviourism emphasises upon eliminating human motivation and managing the
experiences freely. There is humanistic approach which determines psychodynamic approach.
This states that individuals have self control and they are capable of determining own behaviour.
3 x Reflective journals comprising 3 core skills from the list provided –. You must choose 3 core
skills
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Appendix A: REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ENTRY PRO-FORMA
(Each journal entry must be presented on this pro-forma)
What is the core skill to develop?
Time management is an important skill that will help in managing and controlling different
business activities and tasks (Gardner, and Abdelfattah, 2020). This will enable me to focus
upon my work and conduct the business operations effectively. This will help me to manage
the business activities and operations perfectly.
Why did I select this skill to reflect on? Why is this core skill important for your development
(personal and professional)? (use relevant theories and concepts from psychology and business
to support your answer)
It is important for me to manage the time management skills for completing the activities
within time. I have analysed that my time management skills are not perfect and I have to
work upon managing the control over activities and accomplishing them within time. I have
used cognitive theory for managing time skills and completing the business activity in time.
Reflect on your current competence regarding this skill. How did you assess your competence?
(use your self-assessment findings, feedback from peers and your tutor, plus your own
reflections on your thoughts, feelings and behaviours to answer this question)
I am unable to handle multitasking jobs. As the head of team, it is my duty to manage and
handle all the business activities within time. It is also essential to manage the work properly
and complete organisational goals in less time.
Can you identify any contradictions from your analysis above? For example, is there a match
between how you see yourself and how others see you, or not?
My team members said that my time management skills are not good. According to them, I am
unable to manage timely finishing of business activities. I know that my time management
skills have to be perfect as they will help in attaining the targets in specified time.
How might this skill help me in the future? (use references to support your argument)
If my time management skills are good then it will be easy for me to manage the business
functions and operations properly. As a manager when I am able to manage the completion of
activities within time then it is easy for me to accomplish organisational goals.
Appendix A: REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ENTRY PRO-FORM(Each journal entry must be
presented on this pro-forma)
What is the core skill to develop?

I have to develop my team building skills. This will help me to manage different individuals
working in teams (Keilman and et.al,2020). This skill will help me to communicate with the
team members effectively and clarify them regarding organisational goals and objectives.
Why did I select this skill to reflect on? Why is this core skill important for your development
(personal and professional)? (use relevant theories and concepts from psychology and business
to support your answer)
I have chosen team building skills as this will help me to manage the different team members.
It helps me to enhance the communication abilities with my colleagues. This enables me to
clarify organisational targets to team members.
It is very important for me to develop team building skill as it will help me to unit the teams.
By having good communication, I will be able to collaborate with my team members
effectively and provide them proper guidance.
The team building skills will help me to know my team members in a more effective manner
and accomplish the goals and objectives in less time.
Reflect on your current competence regarding this skill. How did you assess your competence?
(use your self-assessment findings, feedback from peers and your tutor, plus your own
reflections on your thoughts, feelings and behaviours to answer this question)
I think my team building skills are not so good. Hence, I had to work upon increasing my team
building skills and abilities. These will help me to manage my team members and increase
bonds and relation among them. This enables in conducting efficient activities and business
targets. It is concluded from feedbacks taken from my team members that I had to boost my
employee relation so that it is easy to achieve organisational goals. I have analysed that my
peers want me to become competitive by enhancing my team building skills.
Can you identify any contradictions from your analysis above? For example, is there a match
between how you see yourself and how others see you, or not?
I have attended various seminars that help in developing team building skills. These help me to
manage my work and attain organisational goals. It is important for me to manage my team
and provide them positive environment where they can work in an effective manner. I think
my team building skills have been improved by attending the video sessions. My colleagues
and team members suggested me that I can put more efforts for managing the team building
skills.

How might this skill help me in the future? (use references to support your argument)
Team building skill will help me to clarify objectives to team members and help them grow
and develop. If I have good team building skills then I can promote interpersonal skills within
the team members. This skill will help me to create positive company culture which make
every employee to feel secure in their jobs.

Appendix A: REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ENTRY PRO-FORMA
(Each journal entry must be presented on this pro-forma)
What is the core skill to develop?
Focus and attention are two important things which have to be done in proper time. It will help
in managing the business activities and doing them effectively (Luo And et.al 2020). Focus
and attention in an individual enables an individual to make proper plans and strategies for
completing the business projects.
Why did I select this skill to reflect on? Why is this core skill important for your development
(personal and professional)? (use relevant theories and concepts from psychology and business
to support your answer)
I have selected focus and attention to reflect upon because this is an important skill that will
help me to manage the completion of business activities. The assigned work and projects can
be completed within specified time when I am focused towards completing the work. Focus
helps me to manage my personal as well as professional life properly.
Reflect on your current competence regarding this skill. How did you assess your competence?
(use your self-assessment findings, feedback from peers and your tutor, plus your own
reflections on your thoughts, feelings and behaviours to answer this question)
I am focused about my work and complete the business operations within time. The main
problem comes when I have to different operations at the same time. My multitasking skills
are weak. I think I am unable to manage the business operations and activities in order to
complete them with full dedication.
Can you identify any contradictions from your analysis above? For example, is there a match
between how you see yourself and how others see you, or not?
My team members think that I am focused and I assign the project targets effectively. I am a
good team leader and effectively provide guidance for completing the business operations and
activities in less time. It is concluded by me that I am having good management skills that help
me to focus upon team management and building. Communication is also an effective way to
manage and handle the business activities properly.
How might this skill help me in the future? (use references to support your argument)
Focusing and concentrating on work will help me to manage the business operations
effectively and manage the completion of goals and targets effectively. This is important for
me to develop various skills and abilities so that I can complete the business objectives in

specified time.
For improving my team building skills, I have analysed Belbin's team theory. The different
aspects of this theory are mentioned below -
Action oriented role
Implementer - In my team, individual who can make effective decisions is less time will be
assigned ideas for managing practical tasks and activities.
Shaper – This person in my team is goal oriented and he is always challenging discussions taken
while managing team work. This person is able to handle pressure and overcome different
obstacles.
Finisher - Person in team who is giving attention to the activity and meeting the deadlines of
project.
People skilled role
Co-ordinater – This is associated with enabling and facilitating decision making and interaction
with other people.
Teamworker – I evaluate all members and the person who is able to collaborate and cooperate
with others is the team worker.
Resource investigator – This is individual in team who is able to manage the resources well and
utilising them properly.
Intellectual role
Planter – This individual is one thinks extra ordinarily and manage to solve different problems
quickly.
Monitor – This is the person who is dedicate and focused towards learning and building
knowledge.
Specialist - This is the person who has specialisation in some filed and he is able to manage the
work in effective manner.
Summary Action Plan: Identify and reflect of 3 areas for development.
Gibbs reflective cycle
 Description - I have analysed that there are three areas which I have to develop for
managing the business activities and tasks. There is need for managing growth and
development so that I can attain organisational goals in specified time frame. It is very
essential for me to improve my skills and abilities for controlling and managing my team

members. It is concluded that my team members must be having positive work culture
for managing the organisational activities (Soni, 2020). I am attending several seminars,
webinars and lectures so that I will develop time management skills, team building skills
and focus towards work.
 Feelings - It is important that I am managing my timing of completing work and projects
as it will help me to grow and develop. There is need for managing commitment of
employees so that goals can be achieved in less time. It is essential for me to have better
understanding and evaluation of team members so that I will provide them work
according to their competitiveness. The main problem which affects the employee
behaviour is the way how the managers are treating colleagues. It is important for me to
encourage the team members and manage the working. Also, it is seen that I have good
time management skills and they enable me to accomplish organisational goals and
objectives.
 Evaluation - There is efficiency in the work of employees when they are provided
positive environment (Vaz, Viamonte, and Winck, 2020). This is possible when I am
providing support to my team members and implementing positive workplace. The team
building skills help me to manage the way in which employees are motivated and
encouraged for accomplishing the organisational goals and objectives. The team building
skills helped me to improve my communication and interpersonal skills too. By using
effective communication, I am able to engage my team members and make them work
effectively.
 Analysis - There is subsequent increase in opportunities and growth of company if
employees are working effectively (Yucel, and et.al, 2020). I have asked my team
members to manage good bonding and relation as it helps in organisational growth and
development. It is now easy for me to communicate with people and clarify
organisational goals. As the head of team, it is important for me to manage the teams
effectively. These enable to manage the teams effectively and encourage the team
members for performing well within the company. Delegation is an important skill which
I have to work upon for managing the efficiency of employees. These skills have
increased my dedication towards my team members.
 Action Plan – I have evaluated that team building skills can be adopted from analysing
Belbins team role. This provides information about managing different individuals
present within a team. Their role and responsibilities are provided according to their
skills and abilities.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ballangrud, R., Aase, K. and Vifladt, A., 2020. Longitudinal team training programme in a
Norwegian surgical ward: a qualitative study of nurses’ and physicians’ experiences
with teamwork skills. BMJ open, 10(7), p.e035432.
Bhavesh, K.P., TEAM MANAGEMENT: CRUCIAL ROLE FOR GROWTH OF
ORGANIZATION.
Flak, O., 2020, February. System of Organizational Terms as a Theoretical Foundation for Team
Management Automation. In Proceedings of the 2020 The 6th International Conference
on E-Business and Applications (pp. 121-127).
Gardner, A.K. and Abdelfattah, K., 2020. Getting better all the time? Facilitating accurate team
self-assessments through simulation. BMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced
Learning, 6(1), pp.31-34.
Keilman, A. and et.al,2020. Enhancing paediatric resuscitation team performance: targeted
simulation-based team leader training. BMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced
Learning, pp.bmjstel-2019.
Luo, Y.J. And et.al 2020. The Effects of Team-Game-Tournaments Application towards
Learning Motivation and Motor Skills in College Physical
Education. Sustainability, 12(15), p.6147.
Soni, V.D., 2020. Importance and Strategic Planning of Team Management. International
Journal of Innovative Research in Technology, 7(2), pp.47-50.
Vaz, I.M., Viamonte, S. and Winck, J.C., 2020. Rehabilitation team. Pulmonary Rehabilitation,
pp.203-208.
Yucel, C. and et.al, 2020. The Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Team Training in Obstetrics
Emergencies for Improving Technical Skills: A Systematic Review. Simulation in
Healthcare, 15(2), pp.98-105.
Online
Leadershjip and team management,2016.[Online]. Available
through:<https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305115977_Reflective_leadership_and_team
_learning_an_exploratory_study>