Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Table of Contents
Activity 1C .......................................................................................................................................... 24
2. Contribute to workgroup activities .............................................................................................. 25
2.1 – Provide support to team members to ensure workgroup goals are met ..................................... 26
Providing support............................................................................................................................... 26
Explaining/clarifying ........................................................................................................................... 27
Helping colleagues ............................................................................................................................. 27
Problem-solving ................................................................................................................................. 27
Providing encouragement.................................................................................................................. 28
Providing feedback to a team member ............................................................................................. 28
Undertaking extra tasks if necessary ................................................................................................. 28
Activity 2A .......................................................................................................................................... 29
2.2 – Contribute constructively to workgroup goals and tasks according to organisational
requirements ......................................................................................................................................... 30
Contribute to workgroup ................................................................................................................... 30
Organisational requirements ............................................................................................................. 31
Teamwork .......................................................................................................................................... 31
Activity 2B .......................................................................................................................................... 32
2.3 – Share information relevant to work with workgroup to ensure designated goals are met ......... 33
Sharing relevant information ............................................................................................................. 33
Documentation requirements ........................................................................................................... 34
Collaboration in the workplace .......................................................................................................... 34
Activity 2C .......................................................................................................................................... 35
2.4 – Identify and plan strategies/opportunities for improvement of workgroup in liaison with
workgroup .............................................................................................................................................. 36
Strategies and opportunities for improvement ................................................................................. 36
Career planning/development ........................................................................................................... 36
Coaching, mentoring and/or supervision .......................................................................................... 37
Formal/informal learning programs .................................................................................................. 37
Internal/external training provision................................................................................................... 38
Performance appraisals ..................................................................................................................... 38
Personal study .................................................................................................................................... 38
Recognition of current competence (RCC)/skills ............................................................................... 38
Activity 2D .......................................................................................................................................... 39
3. Deal effectively with issues, problems and conflict ....................................................................... 40
3.1 – Respect differences in personal values and beliefs and their importance in the development of
relationships........................................................................................................................................... 41
Personal values and beliefs ................................................................................................................ 41
The development of relationships ..................................................................................................... 42
Anti-discrimination legislation ........................................................................................................... 43
Activity 3A .......................................................................................................................................... 44
3.2 – Identify any linguistic and cultural differences in communication styles and respond
appropriately.......................................................................................................................................... 45
Cultural differences in communication styles.................................................................................... 45
Non-verbal communication ............................................................................................................... 45
Activity 3B .......................................................................................................................................... 47
3.3 – Identify issues, problems and conflict encountered in the workplace ......................................... 48
Issues and problems in the workplace ............................................................................................... 48
Workplace stress ................................................................................................................................ 48
Workplace bullying ............................................................................................................................ 49
Workplace violence............................................................................................................................ 49
Safety issues in the workplace ........................................................................................................... 50
Discrimination in the workplace ........................................................................................................ 50
Conflict within the workplace ............................................................................................................ 51
Responsibility ..................................................................................................................................... 51
Leadership .......................................................................................................................................... 51
Background ........................................................................................................................................ 51
Style.................................................................................................................................................... 51
Personality ......................................................................................................................................... 51
The effects of conflict in the workplace ............................................................................................. 52
Activity 3C .......................................................................................................................................... 53
3.4 – Seek assistance from workgroup members when issues, problems and conflict arise and suggest
possible ways of dealing with them as appropriate or refer them to the appropriate person............. 54
Dealing with issues and problems within the workplace .................................................................. 54
Conflict resolution techniques ........................................................................................................... 54
Setting the scene................................................................................................................................ 55
Gathering information ....................................................................................................................... 55
Agreeing the problem ........................................................................................................................ 55
Discussing possible solutions ............................................................................................................. 55
Negotiating a solution ........................................................................................................................ 56
Activity 3D .......................................................................................................................................... 57
Summative Assessments........................................................................................................................ 58
Unit of Competency
Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work cooperatively with others and deal
effectively with issues, problems and conflict.
It applies to individuals who perform a range of routine tasks using a limited range of practical skills, and
a fundamental knowledge of teamwork in a defined context under direct supervision or with limited
individual responsibility.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of
publication.
Unit Sector
Performance Criteria
Element Performance Criteria
Elements describe the Performance criteria describe the performance needed to
essential outcomes. demonstrate achievement of the element.
3. Deal effectively with 3.1 Respect differences in personal values and beliefs and their
issues, problems and importance in the development of relationships
conflict 3.2 Identify any linguistic and cultural differences in
communication styles and respond appropriately
3.3 Identify issues, problems and conflict encountered in the
workplace
3.4 Seek assistance from workgroup members when issues,
problems and conflict arise and suggest possible ways of
dealing with them as appropriate or refer them to the
appropriate person
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the
performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Reading
Writing
Oral Communication
➢ Presents information and seeks advice using language and features appropriate to audience
➢ Participates in discussions using listening and questioning to elicit views of others and to clarify
or confirm understanding.
Numeracy
➢ Understands responsibilities of own role and follows explicit and implicit organisational
protocols and procedures.
➢ Selects and uses appropriate communication practices when seeking or sharing information
➢ Establishes and builds rapport and relationships with others to foster a culture of respect and
cooperation in communications.
➢ Plans and organises work commitments to ensure deadlines and objectives are met
➢ Uses formal analytical thinking techniques to recognise and respond to routine problems.
Assessment requirements
Performance evidence
➢ Identify own responsibilities in relation to the team and the organisation's requirements
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
➢ Outline the organisational standards, policies and procedures that relate to own work role
➢ Outline team responsibilities and duties and their relationship to individual responsibilities and
duties.
Assessment conditions
➢ Workplace documentation
Links
1.2. Take time and resource constraints into account in fulfilling work requirements of self and
others
1.3. Encourage, acknowledge and act on constructive feedback provided by others in the workgroup
➢ Explain why good cooperation and teamwork with staff is essential to making a given
system work.
➢ Team structures.
Code of Conduct
A code of conduct is a communication tool, outlining the responsibilities of an individual employee and
the organisation as a whole. It is often found in the employee handbook, and it defines what the
organisation considers to be acceptable behaviour. It also provides a framework for ethical decision
making. A code of conduct does not need to be complicated; it should simply inform the employee of
organisational expectations. The code of conduct will act as a protection for the organisation in the
event that an employee’s contract has to be terminated.
➢ Be specific
➢ Be flexible
Codes of conduct will differ between organisations. However, they will all contain behaviour guidelines
that are consistent with organisational policies and values.
➢ Responsibilities/duties
➢ Reporting requirements
➢ Working conditions
➢ Required qualifications
➢ Desired skills
Employment arrangements are a formal agreement regarding working hours that suit the organisation’s
needs. There are many different types of employment arrangements.
➢ Part-time
➢ Casual
➢ Fixed term
➢ Commission.
➢ Code of conduct
➢ Risk management
➢ Human resources.
Relevant organisational policies should be always considered and reflected in your workplace activities.
➢ Develop respect
➢ Solve problems
➢ Technology skills
➢ Communication skills
➢ Presentation skills
➢ Numeracy skills
➢ Leadership skills
Employee training is essential for the success of an organisation. It provides an opportunity for
expansion of the employee’s knowledge.
Workplace competencies should be used in order to define and measure the effectiveness of particular
employees. A workplace competency describes the required characteristics, behaviours, attributes, or
skills for success in a specific job role. They provide employees with clear guidance regarding
performance expectations. They also highlight behaviours that are valued by organisations. There are
lots of different competencies within the workplace. It is essential to know which ones are relevant to
your specific job role and your organisation.
➢ Proactivity
➢ Self-responsibility
➢ Communication
➢ Productivity.
➢ The system
➢ Self
➢ Others.
A good supervisor should display leadership qualities and provide employees with professional
direction. It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure their actions fulfil the supervisor’s expectations.
For example:
➢ Being present for their shifts and completing
assigned tasks
Team structures
Team structures relate to the composition of organisational work groups. A good team structure should
promote teamwork and have a clear leader. Each team member should commit to their specific role in
order to maintain effective teamwork. It is an employee’s responsibility to identify, understand, and
demonstrate their roles.
The employee responsibilities and duties outlined above should be considered in relation to the
performance of workgroup members.
➢ Peers/work colleagues/team/enterprise
➢ Supervisor or manager.
Activity 1A
1.2 – Take time and resource constraints into account in fulfilling work
requirements of self and others
By the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
➢ Describe three potential problems with a given strategy, taking into account time and
resource constraints.
Project management
A project is a network of tasks for the creation or modification of a product or service within a limited
duration. Resources should be allocated for suitable project time and budgeting, accounting for any
constraints. It is likely that the organisation’s options will be limited by such constraints. However,
project management should allow for the planning, organisation, and control of resources, procedures
and protocols. This will increase the chance of realising organisational goals. The greatest challenge of
project management is honouring the constraints and achieving project goals and objectives.
➢ Resource constraints.
Time constraints
Time constraints relate to the timeframes and deadlines set for the completion of organisational tasks.
Sequences of tasks often have to be completed on schedule in order to avoid delaying the entire
project. A budget increase may be necessary for the allocation of resources and achievement of set
deadlines.
Time management is an effective way of avoiding issues associated with the scheduled completion of
projects.
➢ Discipline
➢ Organisation
➢ Schedule development
Resource constraints
Resource constraints are the physical limits that apply to organisations. They include elements that can
be easily controlled.
These include:
➢ Human resources
➢ Raw materials
➢ Equipment
➢ Software.
A change of resources may be necessary in order to ensure completion of a project in accordance with
the budget and deadline. However, budget restrictions may prevent successful completion and result in
postponement. Resource management requires the planning, allocation and scheduling of resources for
specific tasks. Such resources include manpower, money, machines, and materials. Management should
ensure that they have the precise amount of resources and that workers are allocated suitable tasks.
The forecasting of resource demands should ensure that projects can be successfully completed.
Resource levelling is likely to have a positive effect and minimise the chance of excess or resource
shortages. Organisations should prepare for the worst.
The benefits of managing, understanding, and balancing time and resource constraints may include:
➢ Improvement in cost-effectiveness
Time and resource constraints should be taken into account when attempting to fulfil work
requirements.
Activity 1B
Constructive feedback
You should encourage, acknowledge, and act on constructive feedback provided by others in the
workgroup. Such feedback should be based on observations and be specific to the issues that you have
to deal with in the workplace. It should be constructive and information-specific. You will be expected
to show appreciation when positive feedback is given. However, negative feedback should be given with
concern and care. Feedback is essential for the management of performance within your organisation. It
is a useful means of indicating when work is progressing well. However, it can also help in the
identification and resolution of problems.
➢ Sincere
➢ Encouraging
➢ Supportive
➢ Useful
➢ Meaningful
➢ Respectful
➢ Informal
➢ Verbal.
➢ Surveys
➢ Emails
➢ Usability tests
➢ Interviews
➢ Social media.
Don’t ask:
➢ Can you give me your feedback on this, please?
In this process:
➢ Think about what you did.
➢ What happened?
➢ Frequency
➢ Manner
➢ Content.
➢ Improve weaknesses
➢ Accomplish goals.
Activity 1C
2.3. Share information relevant to work with workgroup to ensure designated goals are met
2.4. Identify and plan strategies/opportunities for improvement of workgroup in liaison with
workgroup
2.1 – Provide support to team members to ensure workgroup goals are met
By the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
➢ Describe three ways to support the delivery of a given strategy.
Providing support
A good team member:
➢ Listens
➢ Communicates
➢ Cooperates
➢ Solves problems
➢ Helps others
➢ Is respectful
➢ Offers support.
It is essential to provide support to team members to ensure all workgroup goals are met.
➢ Helping colleagues
➢ Problem-solving
➢ Providing encouragement
Explaining/clarifying
It might be necessary to explain or clarify important organisational requirements.
Examples include:
➢ Policies
➢ Procedures
➢ Instructions
➢ Workplace controls.
Clarification and explanations regarding these organisational aspects will be necessary for team
members to establish an understanding of organisational expectations. It should be possible to avoid
confusion and misunderstanding.
Helping colleagues
It might be necessary to assist team members in the completion of tasks for the achievement of team
goals and deadlines. This will be the case whenever your own work tasks have already been completed.
Problem-solving
You should help your colleagues to solve problems. Strong teamwork will be necessary for the effective
resolution of problems. An efficient team will be able to
attend to more issues than an inefficient one.
Providing encouragement
You should display a positive attitude when working as part of a team and offer encouragement when
necessary.
➢ Offering to help
➢ Responding unexpectedly.
➢ Improve weaknesses
➢ Accomplish goals.
➢ Professionalism is maintained.
Activity 2A
➢ Identify three specific ways to learn how to assist a team to meet their goals.
Contribute to workgroup
Active participation will be required if you are to make a constructive contribution to your team.
➢ Communicates
➢ Cooperates
➢ Solves problems
➢ Helps others
➢ Is respectful
➢ Offers support.
➢ Problem-solving
In terms of the workgroup goals and values, each team member should:
➢ Understand the goals
Organisational requirements
The organisational requirements should be taken into consideration during the development of
workgroup goals and tasks.
➢ Legal requirements
➢ Ethical standards
➢ Confidentiality requirements
➢ Resource parameters
It is important to account for these when contributing to your workgroup’s goals and tasks. The goals
and tasks should reflect those of your organisation.
Teamwork
When a team works well together, they are able to achieve more than the individual members can by
themselves. Each member should know and understand their role within an effective team. Effective
teamwork should result in the improved use of resources and generation of ideas. The outcomes should
be of higher quality, more efficient and, increasingly effective. Each individual can enjoy the benefit of
working with others. There should be a mutual sense of accomplishment.
The entire team may suffer if individuals are unable or unwilling to work together. This may be costly for
the organisation. It might prove more difficult to achieve the goals set by the organisation. There may
also be a negative impact on the workplace environment. A sense of negativity and disruption may
build.
Activity 2B
➢ In response to a given scenario, give examples of three pieces of information that need
to be shared with the workgroup so that the designated goals are met.
➢ Achievement of goals.
As previously discussed, poor teamwork can have detrimental effects on the organisation. The
organisational goals aren’t always achievable. Failure can be costly.
Documentation requirements
Your organisation is likely to have policies and guidelines regarding the presentation of written
information. It would be worth asking your supervisor for assistance in the location of these key
documents. Particular attention should be paid to the standards of style, format, and accuracy.
➢ Legislation
➢ Check any ‘facts’ included in your correspondence. Pay particular attention to statistics,
dates, and names
➢ Always carry out grammar/spelling checks and ask for a second opinion before sending
written correspondence
➢ Use any style guides provided by your organisation and present information in the
appropriate manner.
You will have to fill out different types of forms and documents in accordance with specific
business circumstances. It may be possible to fill some of them out on the
computer, for ease of understanding. However, you should ensure that all
provided information is clear, concise, and legible.
Activity 2C
➢ Performance appraisals
➢ Personal study
Career planning/development
Career planning is a continuous process and is part of an individual’s career management.
It involves an individual’s:
➢ Interests
➢ Values
➢ Skills
➢ Preferences
➢ Is short term
➢ Is performance driven
Mentoring:
➢ Is relationship orientated
➢ Is long-term
➢ Is development driven
Coaching and mentoring can lead to an improvement in an individual’s career development and the
workgroup as a whole.
Supervision should assist employees to develop in the workplace. This will be beneficial with regards to
future participation in workgroups.
➢ A large number of employees can learn the same information at the same time.
Informal learning programs involve the spontaneous development of knowledge and skills among
workgroup members in the workplace. It is the process of sharing experiences that encourages learning.
➢ Improved efficiency
➢ Personalisation
➢ Reduced intimidation
➢ Natural learning
Formal and informal learning programs can be of benefit to individuals and work groups. The
organisation’s needs and objectives will need to be considered when deciding upon the use of formal
and informal learning programs.
➢ Low in cost
➢ Improved productivity
Performance appraisals
As discussed in Chapter 1.3, performance appraisals involve the examination and evaluation of
employee behaviour in comparison with established standards. The results of the comparison are then
documented and used for the identification of possible improvements. Performance appraisals can be
both formal and informal. Performance appraisals can help to highlight which employees require
training and what sort of training they need. The re-training of employees may be of benefit when it
comes to future workgroup activities. The organisational processes will become more effective.
Personal study
Individual study might be necessary in order to improve the knowledge and skills that you bring to the
workgroup. This may involve extra time and effort outside the workplace. However, it will benefit you as
an individual and your workgroup as a whole.
Individual improvement can result in the strengthening of the workgroup. This means that the
organisational goals can be achieved more efficiently.
Activity 2D
3.2. Identify any linguistic and cultural differences in communication styles and respond
appropriately
3.4. Seek assistance from workgroup members when issues, problems and conflict arise and suggest
possible ways of dealing with them as appropriate or refer them to the appropriate person
3.1 – Respect differences in personal values and beliefs and their importance in
the development of relationships
By the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
➢ Explain how to approach a given situation whilst maintaining respect for differences in
personal attitudes and beliefs.
In order to respect the differences between personal values and beliefs, an individual should:
➢ Learn about other people’s values and beliefs
➢ Be cooperative
An individual’s personal values and beliefs should not affect their work, workgroup or workplace.
Individuals should not allow their own personal values and beliefs to affect the quality of their work or
their relationships with other employees. An awareness of values and beliefs is important for the
development of partnerships and resolution of workplace conflicts.
Employees should work according to a set of professional values and beliefs. Personal beliefs and
perspectives may need to be set aside.
Anti-discrimination legislation
Discrimination may occur on the basis of an individual’s:
➢ Race
➢ Age
➢ Religion
➢ Nationality
➢ Criminal record
➢ Medical record
➢ Marital status
➢ Disability
➢ Sex.
Every organisation will have procedures and policies that take anti-discrimination legislation into
account. You should be aware of these policies.
A workplace should be free from discrimination, and each employee should be treated fairly and
equally.
➢ Penalties
➢ Loss of job
➢ Loss of income
➢ Legal action
➢ Conflict
The respect of other people’s values and beliefs should ensure that your behaviour is not discriminative
in any way.
Activity 3A
3.2 – Identify any linguistic and cultural differences in communication styles and
respond appropriately
By the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
➢ Give three examples of how communication might differ between cultures
➢ Identify three aspects of non-verbal communication which might vary between cultures
Non-verbal communication
You should understand the significance of non-verbal communication in the workplace. Such
communication may differ between cultures and cause numerous problems. Non-verbal communication
signifies status, attitudes and emotions. It is very easy to misunderstand.
Aspects of non-verbal communication that may differ between cultures may include:
➢ Eye contact
➢ Body language
➢ Voice speed/volume
➢ Mannerisms
➢ Vocal noises
➢ Gestures/touch
➢ Facial expressions
➢ Posture.
➢ Embarrassment
➢ Personal conflict
➢ Frustration
➢ Incorrect assumptions.
➢ Build rapport
➢ Promote productivity
➢ Clearly
➢ Slowly
➢ Considerate of others.
Activity 3B
➢ Bullying
➢ Violence
➢ Safety issues
➢ Discrimination.
Workplace stress
Good stress can lead to an employee:
➢ Having increased motivation
➢ Working better/harder
Although good stress does exist, bad stress is more common in the workplace.
➢ Becoming depressed
➢ Low control
➢ Long hours
➢ Struggle in communication
➢ Being bullied.
➢ Eliminating interruptions
➢ Sleeping well
➢ Eating right.
Workplace bullying
There are a variety of workplace behaviours which may be categorised as bullying.
These include:
➢ Insults
➢ Practical jokes
➢ Criticisms
➢ Spreading rumours
➢ Work overload
➢ Threats of redundancy.
Instances of workplace bullying will be deemed in breach of the health and safety policies that apply
within your organisation. Legal action can be taken in the event of bullying, despite any difficulties.
Workplace violence
Workplace violence can happen within all kinds of organisations and includes physical or verbal abuse,
threatening behaviour, and racial or sexual harassment. Violence in the workplace is a serious thing as it
can have devastating short and long-term effects. Employees that experience violence within the
workplace are often left feeling isolated and anxious.
➢ Being threatened
Most forms of workplace violence are against the law. Nobody should have to put up with such
violence.
➢ Discrimination laws
➢ Criminal laws.
➢ If the issue remains unresolved, then contact the relevant enforcing authority.
➢ Gender
➢ Race
➢ Religion
➢ Political beliefs
➢ Sex
➢ Disability
➢ Marital status.
There are laws in place to protect employees from workplace discrimination. These were discussed in
Chapter 3.1.
There are several types of conflict that may occur in the workplace, including:
➢ Responsibility
➢ Leadership
➢ Background
➢ Style
➢ Personality.
It is possible to resolve conflict within the workplace. However, conflict resolution is not an easy
process.
Responsibility
Conflict may occur if employees do not have a clear understanding of their workplace responsibilities. It
might also arise when attempting to come to agreements within teams. Responsibility conflict might
also occur when failure within an organisation is blamed on others.
Leadership
A conflict might happen when a new owner, manager, or supervisor starts within the organisation. They
may have different leadership styles and employees may be expected to adjust. Any employees should
be aware of any changes with regards to leadership techniques and expectations.
Background
Conflicts can arise because of:
➢ Personal experiences
➢ Ethnic heritage
➢ Political preferences
➢ Gender
➢ Educational background.
Style
Conflicts may arise because of the differences between employees’ preferred way of completing a job
or task.
Personality
Personality clashes are the most common cause of workplace conflict. People often misinterpret and
take offence to the mannerisms and attitudes of others.
➢ Depression
➢ Hopelessness
➢ General unhappiness
➢ Absenteeism
➢ Withdrawal
➢ Resignation.
Activity 3C
3.4 – Seek assistance from workgroup members when issues, problems and
conflict arise and suggest possible ways of dealing with them as appropriate or
refer them to the appropriate person
By the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
➢ Suggest different ways to deal with a range of problems.
➢ Bullying
➢ Violence
➢ Safety issues
➢ Discrimination.
Problems and issues should not be allowed to linger. They should be addressed at the earliest
opportunity.
The assistance of other workgroup members may be required when issues, problems, and conflict
occur.
These include:
➢ Avoiding the conflict in the hope it will go away
Resolving conflict is the ultimate goal. Conflict should be approached with an open mind and diversity
should be respected.
➢ Gather information
➢ Negotiate a solution.
Gathering information
You should consider different viewpoints when attempting to resolve conflict. It is important to
understand other people’s concerns, needs, and interests. Other people’s opinions should be respected.
Cooperation will be required in order to solve problems. You should develop an understanding of the
employee’s motivations and goals. Then consider the effects of your actions. Personalities should be
left out of the discussion, and work issues should be addressed. You should aim to be clear, concise, and
flexible. Make sure that feelings are clarified.
Negotiating a solution
Everyone should have an understanding of perceptions regarding the problem at this point. It should be
possible to establish mutual agreement about an appropriate solution.
➢ Improved self-knowledge
➢ Be open to compromise
➢ Avoid gossiping
➢ Listen carefully
Activity 3D
Summative Assessments
At the end of your Learner Workbook, you will find the Summative Assessments.
This includes:
➢ Skills assessment
➢ Knowledge assessment
➢ Performance assessment.
This holistically assesses your understanding and application of the skills, knowledge and performance
requirements for this unit. Once this is completed, you will have finished this unit and be ready to move
onto the next one – well done!