Dr. Esi Ansah’s Organizational Behaviour class traveled to the mines of AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi. The intent of the trip was to help students understand and apply the concepts that they had studied and discussed in class. As a course requirement, each student was to write a term paper about of the core concepts of Organizational Behavior using AngloGold as a case study. Ms. Esther Malm, Teaching Assistant and Dr. Esi Ansah, the class instructor joined the Class of 2010 on the trip.
Upon arrival, the group was given a guided tour of the mine as well as insights into the operations of the company. They were shown samples of gold-bearing rocks and were informed about the various Corporate Social Responsibility projects AngloGold is involved in. “I found the tour of the mines most fascinating. I’ve never been 800 feet underground before.” remarks Adwoa Tutu when asked about her impressions of the trip. The group also had the opportunity to see the underground school for miners and the mine sites.
The group interacted with miners and spoke with them about their experiences working in the mine and the working environment at AngloGold Ashanti. The students discussed concepts they studied in class such as workspace design, importance of valuing diversity and organizational communication. “This trip was tiring, yet very fun and educational” adds Nii Lantei Kumi-Bruce.