Organizational Behavior Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions and core concepts from Chapters 1 through 5 of the Organizational Behavior study guide.

Organizational Behavior (OB)

The study of how individuals and groups act and think within organizations.

Primary OB Outcomes

Job performance and organizational commitment, which are the two primary outcomes studied in Organizational Behavior.

Theory

A framework that guides the scientific method by explaining relationships between concepts.

Correlation

A measure of the degree to which two variables are related, playing a central role in OB research.

Job Performance

The collection of employee behaviors that contribute to organizational goals.

Task Performance

A component of job performance that involves transforming resources into the goods or services an organization produces.

Citizenship Behaviors

Voluntary actions that benefit the organization.

Counterproductive Behaviors

Actions that hinder the organization's achievements.

Organizational Commitment

Reflects the degree to which an employee identifies with and wants to remain part of an organization.

Affective Commitment

Organizational commitment based on emotional attachment.

Continuance Commitment

Organizational commitment based on the cost of leaving.

Normative Commitment

Organizational commitment based on a sense of obligation.

Exit

A physical withdrawal response to negative workplace events.

Neglect

A psychological withdrawal response to negative workplace events.

Job Satisfaction

Refers to the feelings employees have about their jobs.

Value Percept Theory

A theory proposing that satisfaction depends on whether outcomes match what an employee values.

Facets of Satisfaction

Specific factors employees weigh when evaluating their jobs, such as pay and coworkers.

Job Characteristics Theory

A theory identifying five core job characteristics that can create satisfaction with the work itself.

Stress

A psychological response to demands that exceed a person's capacity or resources.

Stressor

The demand itself that causes stress.

Strain

The negative outcome of unmanaged stress.

Challenge Stressors

Types of work stressors that can motivate individuals.

Hindrance Stressors

Types of work stressors that tend to only harm individuals.