Organisational Dynamics & Psychosocial Hazards Lecture Notes

Flashcards on Organisational Dynamics & Psychosocial Hazards

What is the central idea behind Classic Organizational Theory?

The classic organizational model places a premium on control by the organization of individual behavior.

Give two constraints of the Theories of Organization.

1. Assumed there was one best configuration for an organization. 2. Assumed that organizations affected behaviour of their members but not the other way around.

What is Theory X in McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y?

Managers believe subordinate behavior has to be controlled.

What is Theory Y in McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y?

Managers believe subordinates are active & responsible.

Describe Woodward's 3 organizational types.

1. Small batch organization 2. Large batch and mass production organization 3. Continuous process organization

According to Lawrence and Lorsch, what dictates the most effective form of organization?

The stability of the environment.

Name 3 of Mintzberg's 6 basic forms of coordination.

1. Mutual adjustments based in informal communication 2. Direct supervision 3. Standardisation of work processes 4. Standardisation of KSAOs necessary for production 5. Standardisation of outputs 6. Standardisation of norms

What is Systems Theory sometimes called, and why?

Open systems theory, to emphasise the fact that an organisation must be open to its environment if it is to be effective.

What key concepts are used to explain the social dynamics of organisations?

Climate and culture.

What is organizational climate?

The shared perception of employees about their work entity: an organisation, division, department, or work group.

What are the 3 proposed cultural layers in Schein's model of culture?

1. Artefacts 2. Espoused Beliefs and Values 3. Basic Underlying Assumptions

Name 3 of Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions

Power Distance, Individualism vs. collectivism, Motivation towards achievement and success, Uncertainty avoidance, Long term orientation, Indulgence

What is Organisational development?

A planned, organizational wide interventions to increase organizational effectiveness and health using behavioural science knowledge.

What are the 3 phases in Kurt Lewin's change process?

Unfreeze, Change, Refreeze

What are the types of change?

Episodic change and Continuous change

What are some barriers to change?

Economic fear, Fear of unknown, Fear of altered social relationships, Structural inertia, Work group inertia, Threats to power balance, Prior unsuccessful change efforts

Name 3 emerging commonalities among organisational interventions.

1. They are strategic 2. They are team centered 3. They are statistical 4. They are participatory 5. They are quality-focused

Name 3 things you should be able to do by the end of the lecture.

Explain the key theories of organisation, Describe organisational climate and organisational culture, Describe different types of organisational change processes, Outline Kurt Lewin’s 3 stage process to organisational change.

Define Psychosocial factor

Element within the influence and responsibility of employers that can impact the psychological health and safety of employees, both positively and negatively.

Define Psychosocial hazard

Feature of the design and/or management of work that increases the potential of work-related stress and can lead to psychological and/or physical harm.

Define Psychosocial risk

The potential of psychosocial hazards to cause harm.

Name 3 categories of where Psychosocial hazards may stem from.

Organisation of work, Exposure to Hazards, Work environment or Social Factors

Name 3 of the 14 Psychosocial Hazards.

Low or high job demands, Low job control, Poor support (by colleagues and managers), Lack of role clarity, Poor organisational change management, Poor organisational justice, Inadequate reward and recognition, Traumatic events or materials, Remote or isolated work, Poor physical environment, Violence and aggression, Bullying, Harassment, including sexual harassment or Conflict or poor workplace relationships or interactions

Name 3 health impacts of psychosocial hazards from short periods of exposure.

Sleep Disturbance, Changes in Mood, Fatigue, Headaches or Stomach Irritability

Name 3 health impacts of psychosocial hazards from prolonged periods of exposure.

Anxiety, Depression, Suicide or Chronic Fatigue

What is the estimated total cost of low psychosocial safety climate (PSC) to Australian employers per annum?

Approximately $6 billion.

What are examples of what the PCBU is required to do to manage psychosocial hazards

Ensuring the provision and maintenance of: safe systems of work, a safe working environment, the safe use, handling, and storage of plant, structures and substances, adequate access to welfare facilities at work, necessary information, training, instruction or supervision of workers, and the health of workers and the conditions at the workplace are monitored to ensure any risks remain adequately controlled.

Name 3 essential elements of an effective systematic risk management process

Leadership and management commitment, Consulting workers, Consulting those in your supply chains or Adequate planning

What are the three steps to creating mentally healthy workplace, according to SAFEHWORK NSW?

raising awareness, building capability and strengthening compliance, particularly in high-risk industries and among at-risk workers.