Key Concepts in Industrial Psychology and Organizational Theory

What does Industrial Psychology assume about organizational goals?

There is one best configuration to accomplish goals.

What is the purpose of scientific analysis in Industrial Psychology?

To identify the one best way to organize for production.

What does Industrial Psychology aim to increase?

Management efficiency through formal organization concepts.

According to Industrial Psychology, how do people and organizations act?

In accordance with rational economic principles.

What is the role of industrial and mechanical engineers in the new economy?

To organize production systems to keep machines busy and work flowing.

What is the Functional Principle in organizational structure?

Organizations should be divided into units that perform similar functions into areas of specialization.

What does the Scalar Principle address in an organization?

Vertical growth and the chain of command that grows with levels added to the organization.

What is the unity of command principle?

Each subordinate should be accountable to only one superior.

What are Line Functions in an organization?

Functions that have primary responsibilities for meeting the major goals of the organization.

What are Staff Functions in an organization?

Functions that support the line's activities but are regarded as subsidiary in overall importance to line functions.

What does the Span-Of-Control Principle refer to?

The number of subordinates a manager is responsible for supervising.

How does a large Span-of-Control affect organizational structure?

It produces flat organizations.

How does a small Span-of-Control affect organizational structure?

It produces taller organizations.

What is the focus of Classical Organizational Theory?

Organizations exist for economic reasons and to accomplish productivity goals.

What are the basic ingredients of any organization according to Classical Theory?

Differentiated activities, people, cooperation toward a goal, and authority.

What metaphor does Classical Theory use to describe an organization?

The organization is a machine, focused on running more effectively.

What did Frederick Taylor advocate for in Scientific Management?

Applying scientific principles to work behavior to increase worker efficiency and productivity.

What are the key concepts of Scientific Management?

Planning of work, efficiency, standardization, specialization, and simplification.

What should be eliminated according to Taylor's principles?

Physical stress, anxiety, and the traditional boss concept.

How should the advantages of productivity improvement be distributed?

They should go to workers.

What is the role of training in Scientific Management?

To develop the capabilities of workers.

What is the ultimate goal of organizations according to Industrial Psychology?

To create value through processes involving inputs and outputs.

What are the components of the value creation process in organizations?

Environment (customers, suppliers) > Input (raw materials, IT, HR) > Process (machines, computers, KSAOs) > Output (products, services).

What is the primary basis for employment decisions in Industrial Psychology?

Merit-based decisions emphasized through written records.

What does the division of labor refer to in an organization?

Each job is a specialized position with its own responsibilities and duties.

What is a potential difficulty associated with the division of labor?

Coordination of various tasks handled by different employees.

What type of organizational structure is commonly found in Industrial Psychology?

Top-down pyramidal organization.

What is delegation of authority in an organizational context?

Supervisors assign tasks to employees and hold them responsible for completion.

What does the structure of an organization encompass?

The formal design regarding division of labor, delegation of authority, and span of control.

What does span of control refer to?

The number of subordinates reporting to a given supervisor.

What are the principles of the scientific approach in Industrial Psychology?

Hierarchy, specialization, predictability and stability, rationality, and democracy.

Who is associated with Administrative Management in Industrial Psychology?

Henri Fayol.

What is the premise of Taylorism?

There is one best way to get the job done.

What methods did Taylor use to enhance productivity?

Conducted time and motion studies and analyzed work conditions.

What is the goal of scientific selection in the workplace?

To select and train workers scientifically to enhance efficiency.

What is the relationship between worker efficiency and managerial efficiency according to Taylor?

Worker efficiency leads to greater managerial efficiency.

What does bureaucracy aim to improve in organizations?

Organizational productivity through synchronized internal processes.

What are the key elements of Administrative Theory?

Line & staff, committee, function of management, and principles.

What is the ideal form of organization described by Max Weber?

A formal hierarchy with a division of labor and clear operating procedures.

What are the characteristics of a bureaucratic organization?

Specialization of labor, well-defined authority hierarchy, formal rules and procedures, and impersonality.

What does the term 'underemployed' mean?

Employed in a field that is not aligned with a person's specialization.

What does 'impersonality' in a bureaucratic organization imply?

Behavior is based on logical reasoning rather than emotional thinking.

What is the significance of well-defined authority hierarchy in a bureaucracy?

It establishes strict rules for governing behavior and organizes members by status.

What is the role of management in the principles of scientific management?

To gather data from workers and develop detailed procedures for efficiency.

What is the importance of cooperation between management and labor?

To reduce conflict and enhance productivity.

What does 'scientific training of the worker' entail?

Training workers systematically to improve their efficiency.

What are the key functions of management in organizations according to the BLEPP model?

Organizing, Staffing, Coordinating, Directing, Reporting, Budgeting.

Who proposed the structural theory of organizations?

Harry Mintzberg.

What is the purpose of an organization's structure according to Mintzberg?

To evolve to a certain form and shape that permits the organization to function in its surroundings.

What does authority and responsibility imply for managers?

Managers should have the authority to issue commands, accompanied by the responsibility to ensure work gets done.

What is the principle of discipline in management?

Subordinates must fully obey instructions from superiors.

What does unity of command mean in an organizational context?

Employees receive instructions from only one executive.

What is the significance of unity of direction?

Each workgroup or department works under a singular plan coordinated by one supervisor.

What does subordination of individual interest entail?

The interests of individuals are subordinate to the general interests of the group or department.

How is remuneration of personnel used in organizations?

Compensation is used to incentivize worker performance.

What does centralization refer to in organizational decision-making?

Decision-making should be either centralized or decentralized based on the organization's characteristics and worker competency.

What is the scalar chain principle?

There must be a hierarchy of authority that places workers below managers in the reporting structure.

What is the principle of order in an organization?

There must be designed rules and standards for the work environment and responsibilities.

What does equity mean in the context of organizational management?

The organization must operate based on principles of fairness.

What is the importance of stability of tenure of personnel?

Low turnover allows employees to learn their jobs, develop skills, and acquire loyalty.

What is progressive discipline?

A method of discipline that uses graduated steps to address problems related to an employee's conduct or performance.

What is the role of initiative in an organization?

Organizations must promote initiative by allowing employees to create and carry out their own plans.

What is Esprit De Corps in an organization?

It is the establishment of a sense of belonging that creates unity and moral, allowing the organization to function effectively.

What are the Seven Basic Parts of an Organization?

1. Operating Core: Responsible for basic work duties. 2. Strategic Apex: Ensures overall success. 3. Middle Line: Carries out goals set by the strategic apex. 4. Technostructure: Provides technical expertise. 5. Support Staff: Aids the organization's mission.

What is the role of the Operating Core in an organization?

It conducts basic work duties that define the organization's purpose and transforms raw goods into sellable products.

What does the Strategic Apex do in an organization?

It is responsible for the overall success of the organization and is associated with executive leadership.

What is the function of the Middle Line in an organization?

It ensures that the overall goals set by the strategic apex are being implemented by the operating core.

What is the Technostructure in an organization?

It consists of individuals with specific technical expertise that facilitates the overall operation, including departments like accounting, HR, IT, and law.

What is the purpose of Support Staff in an organization?

They aid the basic mission of the organization, typically including roles like mailroom, security, and janitorial services.

What is Ideology in the context of an organization?

It is a belief system that compels commitment to a particular value, guiding actions and behaviors of employees towards a singular mission.

How does Politics manifest in an organization?

As a side effect of ideology, it causes divisiveness and conflict, often involving the use of power that is not formally authorized.

What does Neoclassical Theory emphasize in organizational behavior?

It recognizes the importance of individual or group behavior and emphasizes human relations, focusing on managerial practices to drive efficiency.

What is the alternative name for Neoclassical Theory?

It is also known as Behavioral Theory of Organization, Human Relations, or New Classical Theory of Management.

What is the main focus of Humanistic Theory in organizations?

It considers the interrelationship between an organization's requirements and the characteristics of its members, emphasizing individual attention.

What was the outcome of Elton Mayo's Hawthorne Experiment?

Productivity increased with improved lighting conditions, and workers were motivated by the interest shown by the company in their well-being.

What did Chester Barnard emphasize in his Comprehensive Theory of Behavior?

He emphasized the need for executives to foster a sense of purpose, moral codes, and ethical visions while creating communication systems.

What is the difference between Neoclassical and Humanistic theories?

Neoclassical focuses on group dynamics, while Humanistic emphasizes individual characteristics and personal attention.

What did Simon's Theories contribute to organizational studies?

They added a personal or human element, highlighting the importance of morale and individual attention for productivity.

What is the significance of managerial practices according to Neoclassical Theory?

They are key to driving efficiency in organizations, focusing on enhancing managerial performance rather than just individual worker efficiency.

What is the relationship between productivity and morale in Humanistic Theory?

High morale leads to increased productivity, influenced by the personal attention workers receive.

What does the term 'informal organization' refer to in Humanistic Theory?

It refers to the social structures and relationships that develop naturally among individuals within an organization.

What is the role of communication systems in Chester Barnard's theory?

They are essential for fostering cooperation and preventing conflicts among workers.

What is the primary goal of functional departments in organizations according to Neoclassical Theory?

To perform distinct activities that contribute to the accomplishment of greater tasks.

What do Theory X and Theory Y by McGregor suggest about managers' beliefs?

Managers' beliefs and assumptions about their employees determine how they behave towards those employees.

What is the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy in the context of employee motivation?

Employees learn to act and believe in ways consistent with how managers think they act and believe.

What are the characteristics of employees according to Theory X?

Employees are viewed as lazy, selfish, uninterested in work, lacking ambition, and not very intelligent.

How do managers behave towards employees under Theory X?

Managers control and direct employees to ensure outputs, viewing them as passive and unresponsive.

What is the focus of Theory Y?

Theory Y emphasizes the inherent goodness, capacity, and potential of employees and management's responsibility to nurture these qualities.

What is the role of motivation according to the notes?

Motivation is the internal force that drives a worker.

How does the Human Relations Movement differ from traditional management theories?

It emphasizes social and psychological factors as important in determining worker productivity and satisfaction.

What qualities do efficient leaders possess according to the notes?

Efficient leaders are employee-centric, democratic, and follow a participative style.

What does the Behavioral Movement propose?

It proposes ideas on how managers should behave to motivate employees.

What is Argyris' Growth Perspective?

Growth is a natural and healthy experience for individuals, and organizations should acknowledge and aid this growth.

What determines whether a worker can do a job properly?

While ability and skill determine if a worker can do the job, motivation determines if they can do it properly.

What is self-esteem's role in work motivation?

Employees with high self-esteem are more motivated and perform better than those with low self-esteem.

How does the need for affiliation affect employee motivation?

Employees with a strong need for affiliation are motivated by jobs where they can work with and help others.

What motivates employees with a strong need for power?

They are motivated by a desire to influence others rather than simply to be successful.

What is Job Expectations Theory?

It states that a discrepancy between what an employee expected a job to be and the reality can affect motivation and satisfaction.

What happens when job expectations are not met?

The employee might feel unmotivated.

Why is a Realistic Job Preview important?

It helps align employee expectations with the reality of the job, potentially improving motivation and satisfaction.