,PYC4812 Assignment 2 Memo (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE June
2025;100% CORRECT AND TRUSTED SOLUTIONS
QUESTION 1
Please read the following case study then answer to the questions that follows.
The team: Vodacom Bulls competes in the Currie Cup which is a South Africa’s
premier domestic rugby union competition. Currently, the Bulls are on position
three in the log standings.
Presenting problem: The Bulls is popularly known for its rich history of winning
multiple championships. However, there has been a noted concerns of patterns of
losing composure towards the end of each season. This is a pattern that has been
observed for several years. One of the rugby experts reported that patters of losing
composure could be linked to team dynamics. Furthermore, according to the head
coach, so far, the team has managed to win against their strongest opponents which
is motivating. The coach further reported that the victories have uplifted the morale
of the team. Notably, the coach expressed concern about a continuous lack of
understanding amongst the players. He reported that most of the time, the players
hardly share information and ideas with each other. In addition, the players avoid
talking about certain topics and assume that they should be able to read each
other’s minds. He adds that, as the head coach, this is a difficult concern that he
must address as it might affect performance of the team. The coach also reported
that there is an ongoing culture of interpersonal conflict and lack of unity in the
team. Due to the nature of the dynamics facing the team, it has become difficult to
effectively solve the problems. As it stands, the Bulls are reported to be losing
enthusiasm and drive.
1.1. Identify and the main challenge faced by the team? Motivate your answer.
Main Challenge: Dysfunctional Team Dynamics and Poor Communication
The primary challenge faced by the Vodacom Bulls rugby team is dysfunctional
team dynamics, specifically characterized by poor interpersonal
communication, lack of collaboration, interpersonal conflicts, and low team
cohesion. These elements are central to the declining performance and morale of
the team, especially during the critical final stages of the season.
, Motivation and Detailed Explanation
To fully understand this challenge, we must analyze the different indicators
presented in the case study and link them to theoretical frameworks in group
dynamics and team performance.
1. Team Communication Breakdown
The coach's observation that “players hardly share information and ideas with
each other” is a clear indicator of poor communication. In any high-performance
team, particularly in competitive sports, open and effective communication is
essential for:
Coordinating game strategies;
Building trust;
Providing feedback and support;
Reducing misunderstandings; and
Encouraging innovation and adaptation during games.
In this case, the absence of communication leads to siloed thinking where players
operate individually rather than as a collective unit. This undermines the core of
team sports, where synergy and collaborative effort are critical to winning matches.
Furthermore, the report that “players avoid talking about certain topics and
assume that they should be able to read each other’s minds” highlights a lack
of psychological safety. Psychological safety, a term popularized by Amy
Edmondson, refers to a team climate where individuals feel safe to express
themselves without fear of embarrassment or retribution. In the Bulls team, the
absence of open dialogue leads to unspoken assumptions, suppressed
frustrations, and unresolved issues, which weaken team functionality over time.
2. Interpersonal Conflict and Lack of Unity
2025;100% CORRECT AND TRUSTED SOLUTIONS
QUESTION 1
Please read the following case study then answer to the questions that follows.
The team: Vodacom Bulls competes in the Currie Cup which is a South Africa’s
premier domestic rugby union competition. Currently, the Bulls are on position
three in the log standings.
Presenting problem: The Bulls is popularly known for its rich history of winning
multiple championships. However, there has been a noted concerns of patterns of
losing composure towards the end of each season. This is a pattern that has been
observed for several years. One of the rugby experts reported that patters of losing
composure could be linked to team dynamics. Furthermore, according to the head
coach, so far, the team has managed to win against their strongest opponents which
is motivating. The coach further reported that the victories have uplifted the morale
of the team. Notably, the coach expressed concern about a continuous lack of
understanding amongst the players. He reported that most of the time, the players
hardly share information and ideas with each other. In addition, the players avoid
talking about certain topics and assume that they should be able to read each
other’s minds. He adds that, as the head coach, this is a difficult concern that he
must address as it might affect performance of the team. The coach also reported
that there is an ongoing culture of interpersonal conflict and lack of unity in the
team. Due to the nature of the dynamics facing the team, it has become difficult to
effectively solve the problems. As it stands, the Bulls are reported to be losing
enthusiasm and drive.
1.1. Identify and the main challenge faced by the team? Motivate your answer.
Main Challenge: Dysfunctional Team Dynamics and Poor Communication
The primary challenge faced by the Vodacom Bulls rugby team is dysfunctional
team dynamics, specifically characterized by poor interpersonal
communication, lack of collaboration, interpersonal conflicts, and low team
cohesion. These elements are central to the declining performance and morale of
the team, especially during the critical final stages of the season.
, Motivation and Detailed Explanation
To fully understand this challenge, we must analyze the different indicators
presented in the case study and link them to theoretical frameworks in group
dynamics and team performance.
1. Team Communication Breakdown
The coach's observation that “players hardly share information and ideas with
each other” is a clear indicator of poor communication. In any high-performance
team, particularly in competitive sports, open and effective communication is
essential for:
Coordinating game strategies;
Building trust;
Providing feedback and support;
Reducing misunderstandings; and
Encouraging innovation and adaptation during games.
In this case, the absence of communication leads to siloed thinking where players
operate individually rather than as a collective unit. This undermines the core of
team sports, where synergy and collaborative effort are critical to winning matches.
Furthermore, the report that “players avoid talking about certain topics and
assume that they should be able to read each other’s minds” highlights a lack
of psychological safety. Psychological safety, a term popularized by Amy
Edmondson, refers to a team climate where individuals feel safe to express
themselves without fear of embarrassment or retribution. In the Bulls team, the
absence of open dialogue leads to unspoken assumptions, suppressed
frustrations, and unresolved issues, which weaken team functionality over time.
2. Interpersonal Conflict and Lack of Unity