Nianagement Game “Bridge Building” © Divide students into 3 groups (where possible) of 4-6 ° Each group will have one leader and one observer. © The group leaders will be given the following notes: NB: These are given separately to the leader of each the group only; do not let groups know which style their leader or the other leaders will be adopting, (Kurt Lewin, 4939) Autocratic Leadership style You are an autocratic leader. The focus of power is with you. You, alone, exercise decision-making and authority for determining policy, procedures for achieving goals, work tasks and relationships, control of the rewards or punishments. You decide how the bridge will be bullt. You will tell members of your group what fo do. Divide them up and give them a job to do. You must not do any bridge building yourself, Keep watching your group and keep ordering them to work faster and better. You may need to criticise shoddy work. You may need to lose your temper. Stamp on anyone who disagrees with you. Do not listen to their ideas. You are leader. You have the ideas. Democratic Leadership style The focus of control is more with the group as a whole and there is greater interaction within the group. The leadership functions are shared with members of the group and you, as manager, are more part of the team. The group members have a greater say in decision-making, determination of policy, implementation of systems and procedures. You are a responsible leader who wants to get the most out of your team. You tell them the task. Let them read the sheet. Ask them for their ideas. You choose the idea you think is the best and ask your team what jobs they would like to do. Give them lots of encouragement & support. Laissez-faire (genuine) Leadership style You, as manager, consciously make a decision to pass the focus of power to members, to allow freedom of action “to do as they. think best’. You do not interfere but you are readily available if help is needed. (ie. you do not, abdicate responsibility). Your team should be told the task first. Let them see the sheet, You must not proceed until everyone agrees on what needs to be done, how and by whom. You cannot move forward without everyone's agreement. You must gain agreement on every aspect as you build your bridge. Lecturer debriefing Session (additional analysis questions for groups) 1) Mark Bridges 2) Ask observers to report back, 3) Discuss different management styles, Which is the most successful? Which is the least? What problems éropped up? How were they solved? Who was unhappy with their role? Why?Management Game “Bridge Building” Task Instruction: Aim The aim of your group is to build a bridge with a minimum span of 30ems. it should have a minimum clearance of 5cms and have a weight bearing load of at least one toy car. The structure may not be anchored to the bench. Materials Newspaper and/or Straws Paper clips Scissors Writing paper —for sketching plans Toy cars or something to test strength of bridge Mark Scheme 4. Each group will begin with 30 points 2. The bridge which takes the heaviest load will gain 10 points. 3. The bridge with the longest span will gain 10 bonus points. 4. The bridge which is completed in the shortest time will gain 10 bonus points. 5. Failure to comply with original requirements will cost the group 5 points per item not met. Time Limit 45 minutes Remember a) to time yoursetf. b) you are in competition with the other groups. You want to win.Management Game “Bridge Building” Observer Instruction: You have an important role to play. You must note down everything you see and hear during the bridge building session How does the leader behave? How do people react to him/her What do members of the group say to each other? Are they helpful? respectful? Or confrontational! frustrated? What roles do team members take on? Is the group happy? If yes, why? If not, why? Consider who does most of the work and who does least work? Why?