THE BMZ ACADEMY
THE BMZ ACADEMY
@061 262 1185/068 053 8213
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 1 of 28
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 3
QUESTION 1 [12 marks] ............................................................................................ 4
1.1. Explain what a cross-functional team is and examine how a cross-functional team
structure could enhance or hinder organisational performance in a fast growing
company like SunScape. Include examples from the case study in your answer. (6
marks) ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2. Identify and explain strategies that SunScape could implement to improve the
effectiveness of its virtual and in-person team members. (6 marks)........................... 7
QUESTION 2 [8 marks] ............................................................................................ 11
2.1. Compare and contrast transactional and transformational leadership styles, and
assess how each might influence employee motivation at SunScape. (8 marks) .... 11
QUESTION 3 [10 marks] .......................................................................................... 16
Self-evaluation questions Reflect on your learning and graduateness by answering the
following self-evaluation questions: [5 marks] .......................................................... 19
Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 22
References ............................................................................................................... 23
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 2 of 28
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Introduction
In today’s dynamic and increasingly complex business environment, organisations
must adopt flexible and innovative approaches to leadership, team structures, and
employee motivation to remain competitive. The study of organisational behavior (OB)
provides essential frameworks and tools to understand and improve how individuals
and teams function within organisations. This assessment, based on the SunScape
Energy Solutions case study, explores the application of OB theories in a fast-growing
South African company navigating communication challenges, leadership tensions,
and a mixed team structure involving both virtual and in-person components.
The assessment is structured into three main sections. First, it examines the concept
of cross-functional teams, their potential to enhance or hinder organisational
performance, and how they can be strategically managed in the context of SunScape.
Second, it proposes practical strategies to improve the effectiveness of both virtual
and in-person team members by fostering trust, leadership support, and
communication. Lastly, the assessment compares transactional and transformational
leadership styles and evaluates their respective influence on employee motivation
within the company. The assessment draws on an evidence-based approach to
organisational psychology, incorporating key theories and models, including
transformational leadership theory, team effectiveness frameworks, psychological
capital, and Afrocentric leadership principles such as ubuntu.
Through critical analysis and application of course materials and scholarly sources,
this assessment aims to demonstrate how theoretical insights can guide practical
solutions to organisational challenges. It further reflects on the implications of these
approaches for leadership development, employee engagement, and sustainable
organisational growth in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA)
environment like that of SunScape.
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 3 of 28
THE BMZ ACADEMY
@061 262 1185/068 053 8213
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 1 of 28
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 3
QUESTION 1 [12 marks] ............................................................................................ 4
1.1. Explain what a cross-functional team is and examine how a cross-functional team
structure could enhance or hinder organisational performance in a fast growing
company like SunScape. Include examples from the case study in your answer. (6
marks) ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2. Identify and explain strategies that SunScape could implement to improve the
effectiveness of its virtual and in-person team members. (6 marks)........................... 7
QUESTION 2 [8 marks] ............................................................................................ 11
2.1. Compare and contrast transactional and transformational leadership styles, and
assess how each might influence employee motivation at SunScape. (8 marks) .... 11
QUESTION 3 [10 marks] .......................................................................................... 16
Self-evaluation questions Reflect on your learning and graduateness by answering the
following self-evaluation questions: [5 marks] .......................................................... 19
Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 22
References ............................................................................................................... 23
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 2 of 28
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Introduction
In today’s dynamic and increasingly complex business environment, organisations
must adopt flexible and innovative approaches to leadership, team structures, and
employee motivation to remain competitive. The study of organisational behavior (OB)
provides essential frameworks and tools to understand and improve how individuals
and teams function within organisations. This assessment, based on the SunScape
Energy Solutions case study, explores the application of OB theories in a fast-growing
South African company navigating communication challenges, leadership tensions,
and a mixed team structure involving both virtual and in-person components.
The assessment is structured into three main sections. First, it examines the concept
of cross-functional teams, their potential to enhance or hinder organisational
performance, and how they can be strategically managed in the context of SunScape.
Second, it proposes practical strategies to improve the effectiveness of both virtual
and in-person team members by fostering trust, leadership support, and
communication. Lastly, the assessment compares transactional and transformational
leadership styles and evaluates their respective influence on employee motivation
within the company. The assessment draws on an evidence-based approach to
organisational psychology, incorporating key theories and models, including
transformational leadership theory, team effectiveness frameworks, psychological
capital, and Afrocentric leadership principles such as ubuntu.
Through critical analysis and application of course materials and scholarly sources,
this assessment aims to demonstrate how theoretical insights can guide practical
solutions to organisational challenges. It further reflects on the implications of these
approaches for leadership development, employee engagement, and sustainable
organisational growth in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA)
environment like that of SunScape.
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 3 of 28
