Organizational Theory and Industrial Psychology - 500 Practice Flashcards

500-question Question-and-Answer flashcards covering key concepts from Organizational Theory, Classical/Neoclassical/Modern theories, Open Systems, Contingency Theory, Change Management, Organizational Development, and Human Resource Development drawn from the lecture notes.

What is Organizational Theory commonly defined as in the notes?

A set of propositions that explains or predicts how groups and individuals behave in varying organizational structures and circumstances.

How do organizations create value according to the Environment-Input-Process-Output model?

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

What is the Classical Organizational Theory view of organizations?

Organizations exist for economic reasons to accomplish productivity goals and should be structured to maximize efficiency.

Which four elements are highlighted as part of the Classical Theory’s basic ingredients for an organization?

System of differentiated activities, people performing tasks and exercising authority, cooperation toward a goal, and authority to ensure coordination.

What is meant by the Scalar Principle in Classical Organizational Theory?

The organization’s vertical growth via a chain of command with unity of command where each subordinate reports to only one superior.

What is the Unity of Command concept?

Each subordinate should be accountable to only one superior.

What is the Line/Staff Principle about?

Line functions have primary responsibilities for major goals; staff functions support line activities but are subordinate in importance.

What does Span-of-Control refer to in classical theory?

The number of subordinates a manager supervises; large spans create flat organizations, small spans create tall organizations.

Who is associated with Scientific Management in the notes?

Frederick Taylor.

What are the core ideas of Scientific Management?

Planning of work to achieve efficiency, standardization, specialization, simplification; workers’ advantages; elimination of the traditional boss concept.

What trio of ideas did Taylor emphasize to boost productivity?

Planning, standardization, and simplification of work.

What role does worker training play in Scientific Management?

Capabilities of workers should be developed through training.

Which two Gilbreths collaborated with Taylor on scientific management efforts?

Frank and Lillian Gilbreth.

What is Weber’s Bureaucracy primarily characterized by?

Formal hierarchy, division of labor, clear operating procedures, and impersonal, merit-based employment.

Name two characteristics of a bureaucratic organization.

Specialization of labor and a well-defined authority hierarchy.

What are some formal features of a Bureaucracy?

Formal rules and procedures, impersonality, merit-based employment, and written records.

What is the Major problem Weber notes with bureaucracies?

Coordination difficulties due to the division of labor and the chain of command.

What are the 14 Administrative Principles Fayol proposed?

Division of Specialization, Authority and Responsibility, Discipline, Unity of Command, Unity of Direction, Subordination of Individual Interest, Remuneration, Centralization, Scalar Chain, Order, Equity, Stability of tenure, Initiative, Esprit de Corps.

Which theorist introduced the concept of 'order' and 'discipline' into management theory?

Henri Fayol.

What is the primary focus of Administrative Management according to Fayol?

Improving organizational productivity by synchronizing internal processes.

What theory is associated with the idea that organizations evolve to fit their environment?

Modern Organization Theory (Systems approach and beyond) and Contingency Theory.

What are Mintzberg’s Seven Basic Parts of an Organization?

Operating Core, Strategic Apex, Middle Line, Technostructure, Support Staff, Ideology, Politics.

Which theory emphasizes the distinction between operating core and strategic apex?

Mintzberg’s Organizational Structure theory.

What is Neoclassical Theory also known as?

Behavioral Theory of Organization, Human Relations, or New Classical Theory of Management.

What shift did the Neoclassical Theory emphasize?

The importance of human relations, informal organization, and group dynamics.

What does McGregor’s Theory X assume about employees?

That employees are lazy, selfish, lack ambition, and avoid work.

What does Theory Y propose about employees?

That employees are inherently motivated, capable of self-direction, and can develop their potential.

What is the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy concept in this context?

Managers’ beliefs about employees shape how they treat them, which influences employees’ behavior to align with those beliefs.

What is the Two-Factor Theory by Herzberg about?

Motivators (intrinsic to job) and Hygiene factors (contextual factors) influence job satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

What is the ERG Theory proposed by Clayton Alderfer?

Existence, Relatedness, and Growth needs, which can be pursued simultaneously and are not strictly hierarchical.

What is Maslow’s Need Hierarchy?

Physiological, Safety, Belongingness, Esteem, and Self-Actualization needs driving motivation.

What is McClelland’s Achievement Motivation Theory about?

Three needs: achievement, power, and affiliation influencing motivation.

What is the Four-Drive Theory?

Drive to Acquire, Bond, Comprehend, and Defend as sources of motivation.

What does Vroom’s Expectancy Theory focus on?

Valence, Instrumentality, and Expectancy as determinants of motivation.

What is Adam’s Equity Theory about?

Motivation and satisfaction depend on the perceived fairness of inputs/outputs compared to others.

What is Locke’s Goal-Setting Theory about?

Specific, challenging goals with commitment lead to higher motivation and performance.

What does the MARS Model describe?

Motivation, Ability, Role Perception, and Situational Factors as predictors of performance.

What does Costa & McCrae’s Five-Factor Model identify?

Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Openness to Experience, Extraversion.

Which personality trait is often the best predictor of task performance?

Conscientiousness.

What is the Path-Goal Theory about?

Leader behaviors (Instrumental, Supportive, Participative, Achievement-Oriented) chosen to fit the situation and motivate.

What is Situational Leadership Theory’s core idea?

A leader uses one of four styles (Delegating, Directing, Coaching, Supporting) depending on follower readiness.

What is Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory focused on?

The quality of the relationship between a leader and each subordinate, with In-Group and Out-Group distinctions.

What does Self-Determination Theory emphasize?

Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness as innate psychological needs driving motivation.

What is Modern Organization Theory’s core view?

Organizations are systems that must adapt to changes in their environment.

What are the three basic elements of Open System Theory?

Inputs, Throughputs, and Outputs/Feedback.

What is Equifinality in Open System Theory?

A system can reach the same end state in different ways.

What is Negative Entropy in Open System Theory?

The need to avoid disorganization and death; maintain energy flows from the environment.

What is Contingency Theory essentially about?

There is no one universal management approach; effectiveness depends on the situation.

What does Lewin’s Change Model propose?

Change occurs through Unfreezing, Moving, and Refreezing.

What is the Action Research Model?

A cyclical process of diagnosing organizational problems and implementing changes through collaborative inquiry.

What does Perrow’s Model analyze?

Information technology’s impact on organizational structure and processes.

What is Kotter’s Change Model known for?

An eight-stage model to implement change effectively in organizations.

What is Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand Theory about?

Individuals pursuing self-interest and rational choices can lead to societal benefits.

What is Peter and Waterman’s Well-Managed Model about?

Describes a descriptive model of successful organizational decision-making.

What is the Vroom-Yetton Model used for?

Guides leaders on the process to follow when making decisions.

What are the three layers of Organizational Culture?

Observable Artifacts, Espoused Values, Basic Assumptions.

What is Organizational Culture Profile used for?

Measuring a profile of 54 value statements describing an organization’s culture.

What is Organization Climate vs. Culture?

Climate: shared perceptions of policies/practices; Culture: deeper beliefs, values, and norms.

What is Downsizing in organizational change terms?

Reducing jobs to cut costs and restructure the organization.

What is Outsourcing?

Using external workers to perform internal functions usually at lower cost.

What is Offshoring?

Moving work to cheaper labor markets overseas.

What are the three phases of Mergers and Acquisitions?

Pre-combination (financial focus), Combination (people differences), Post-combination (culture integration).

What is Organizational Structure?

The arrangement of positions, authority, and relationships that determine how goals are achieved.

What are the five elements of Organizational Structure?

Chain of Command, Span of Control, Centralization vs Decentralization, Formalization, Mechanistic vs Organic.

What is Departmentalization?

Horizontal clustering of jobs/activities into functional units or teams.

What are the main Departmentalization types?

Functional, Product, Team-Based, Matrix, Divisional, Network.

What is the difference between Mechanistic and Organic structures?

Mechanistic: formalized, centralized, rigid; Organic: decentralized, flexible, low formalization.

What is a Matrix Structure?

Overlays two structures (functional and product) to leverage benefits of both.

What is the primary purpose of Organizational Development (OD)?

Planned, organization-wide effort to increase effectiveness through behavioral science knowledge and technology.

What is Change Management’s focus in OD?

Diagnosing organization, planning interventions, and implementing lasting changes.

What are some typical OD interventions?

Survey feedback, team building, Total Quality Management, gainsharing, technostructural interventions.

What is Total Quality Management (TQM)?

Continuous improvement with employee involvement in quality control and problem solving.

What is Gainsharing?

Employee bonuses tied to improvements in productivity.

What is the difference between Training and Development in HR?

Training: present job skills; Development: future growth and readiness for organizational changes.

What is the difference between HRM and HRD?

HRM is about whom to employ and how; HRD is about training, development, and maximizing employee potential.

What is a Performance Appraisal?

Systematic evaluation of an employee’s current or past performance relative to standards.

What are common rating errors in performance appraisals?

Halo effect, central tendency, leniency, strictness, recency, and unclear standards.

What is 360-Degree Feedback?

Feedback from supervisors, peers, subordinates, and clients about an employee’s performance.

What is Job Design?

Developing new jobs or adding responsibilities to existing jobs to improve performance and satisfaction.

What is Job Enrichment?

Giving employees more responsibility and ownership in their tasks.

What is Job Rotation?

Rotating employees through a variety of jobs to broaden experience.

What is Job Enlargement?

Adding tasks to an existing job to increase variety and responsibility.

What is Re-engineering?

Radical redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic performance improvements.

What is Person-Organization Fit?

The degree of congruence between individuals and organizational values and culture.

What is the difference between line and staff authority?

Line authority directs production and core tasks; staff supports with specialized expertise.

What is Delegation of Authority?

Supervisors assigning tasks to subordinates and holding them accountable.

What is Span of Control in practice?

The number of subordinates under a manager; wider spans reduce management levels.

What is Chain of Command?

The path of authority from top to bottom in an organization.

What is Centralization vs. Decentralization?

Centralization concentrates decision-making at the top; decentralization distributes it to lower levels.

What is Formalization in organizational structure?

The degree to which jobs and procedures are standardized and written.

What is Organisational Culture?

A system of shared values, beliefs, norms, and practices that shapes behavior.

What are the three layers of organizational culture (Schein model)?

Observable artifacts, Espoused values, Basic assumptions.

What is a Team in Organizational Theory terms?

A group of interdependent individuals with a shared goal and complementary skills.

What is the difference between a Group and a Team?

Groups have shared objectives; teams collaborate to achieve a common goal with interdependent tasks.

What is Tuckman’s five stages of team development?

Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning.

What is Social Loafing?

Decreased effort by individuals when working in a group compared to working alone.

What is Groupthink?

A situation where strong group cohesion leads to poor decision-making due to conformity.

What are the four types of conflicts in teams?

Interpersonal, Individual-Group, Group-Group, and Task vs. Relationship conflicts.

What are Common team performance inhibitors?

Production blocking, evaluation apprehension, and group cohesion leading to conformity.

What is the concept of Group Roles?

Roles define expected behaviors within a team; can be task-oriented, social, or individual.