Organizational Behavior, Culture, and Diversity

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on organizational behavior, culture, and diversity in hospitality and tourism.

Organizational Behavior (OB)

A field of study that investigates the impact of the three determinants of behavior within organizations—individuals, groups, and structures—and applies this knowledge to make organizations work more effectively.

Determinants of behavior in OB

The three determinants: individuals, groups, and organizational structures.

Applied behavioral science in OB

OB is an applied field built on contributions from psychology, sociology, social psychology, and anthropology to improve organizational functioning.

Psychology (in OB)

Science that measures, explains, and sometimes changes human and animal behavior; contributors to OB include industrial and organizational psychologists focusing on work-related issues.

Sociology (in OB)

Study of people in relation to their social environment and culture; contributes to OB through group behavior, culture, structure, technology, communications, power, and conflict.

Social Psychology (in OB)

Blend of psychology and sociology focusing on how people influence one another; studies attitudes, communication patterns, group behavior, change, and trust-building.

Anthropology (in OB)

Study of cultures and human activities; informs understanding of differences in values, attitudes, and behavior across countries and organizations.

Organizational culture

System of shared meaning within an organization, including vision, values, norms, systems, symbols, language, and beliefs developed over time and distinguishing it from other organizations.

Seven primary culture characteristics

Seven dimensions capturing culture: innovation and risk-taking; attention to detail; outcome orientation; people orientation; team orientation; aggressiveness; stability.

Innovation and risk-taking

Degree to which employees are encouraged to be pioneering, inventive, and take risks.

Attention to detail

Degree to which employees are expected to exhibit precision and thorough analysis.

Outcome orientation

Degree to which management focuses on results rather than on the techniques and processes used to achieve them.

People orientation

Degree to which management considers the effect of outcomes on people within the organization.

Team orientation

Degree to which work activities are organized around groups rather than individuals.

Aggressiveness

Degree to which people are competitive rather than easygoing.

Stability

Degree to which organizational activities emphasize maintaining the status quo versus growth.

Multicultural diversity

Existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society, based on race, ethnicity, age, religion, or gender.

Race

Biological or physical characteristics (e.g., bone structure, skin, hair, eye color).

Ethnicity

Cultural factors including nationality, geographic culture, ancestry, and language.

Interpersonal skills in multicultural teams

Increases ability to understand diverse views and enhances teamwork.

Innovation and creativity from diversity

Diverse backgrounds contribute to new ideas and different solutions to problems.

Languages in a multicultural workforce

A wider range of languages spoken; opportunities to learn new languages.

Credibility and attractiveness from diversity

Diverse staff can boost a company’s credibility and marketability to guests and potential employees.

Productivity on complex tasks due to diversity

Multicultural environment leads to more effective task implementation.

Globalization and OB in hospitality

Globalization expands diversity in hospitality and tourism; leaders must adapt to global issues.

Workforce Demographics

Variations in the economy, longevity, birth rates, and socioeconomic conditions; OB studies how these changes affect behavior.

Workforce Diversity (as a challenge)

Heterogeneity in gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics requiring global management.

Social Media in the workplace

Policies to regulate usage that protect employees and the organization while balancing engagement and outcomes.

Employee Well-Being at Work

Challenges from burnout, high stress, and ‘always-on’ expectations; balance work and family and foster belonging, especially for virtual workers.

Positive Organizational Behavior (POB)

Study of developing human strengths, vitality, resilience, and engagement—focusing on optimistic aspects like hope and resilience.

Culture officers

People who shape and preserve the company’s personality or culture.

Ethical Behavior in organizations

Managing ethical dilemmas, promoting integrity, and creating an ethically healthy culture guided by strong leadership.

Whistleblowing

Choosing to report illegal activities or unethical conduct within an organization.

Leadership and ethics

Leaders influence employees’ ethical decisions by shaping mission, culture, and policies.

Shared meaning

A system of meaning that members in an organization collectively uphold, distinguishing it from other organizations.

Written and unwritten rules

Formal policies and informal norms that guide behavior within the organization.

Culture and service delivery

Diversity enhances service delivery through improved communication and observation.

Global village

Metaphor for globalization with fewer geographic and cultural barriers.