chp 1

1. Contingency Approach

  • Definition: The idea that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution; the best approach depends on the situation.

2. Soft Skills

  • Definition: Interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.

3. Human Capital as a Competitive Advantage

  • Definition: The value employees bring to an organization through their skills, knowledge, and abilities.

4. Ethics

  • Definition: Moral principles that guide behavior in the workplace.

5. Unethical vs. Illegal

  • Definition: Unethical = morally wrong; Illegal = against the law.

6. Whistleblower

  • Definition: Someone who exposes unethical or illegal behavior in an organization.

7. Causes of Unethical Behavior (p.17)

  • Definition: Factors like pressure, greed, or lack of oversight that lead to unethical actions.

  • Memory Trick: Use the acronym P.L.E.A.S.E.:

    • Pressure

    • Lack of rules

    • Ego

    • Ambition

    • Self-interest

    • Environment

8. Problem

  • Definition: A gap between the current state and the desired state.

  • Memory Trick: Think of a pothole in the road—it’s a gap that needs to be fixed.

9. Problem-Solving Approach

  • Definition: A systematic method for addressing problems (e.g., identify, analyze, solve).

  • Memory Trick: Use the acronym I.D.E.A.:

    • Identify the problem

    • Develop solutions

    • Evaluate options

    • Act on the best solution

10. Person Factors

  • Definition: Individual traits like personality, skills, and attitudes that influence behavior.

  • Memory Trick: Think of "P.E.R.S.O.N.":

    • Personality

    • Experience

    • Resilience

    • Skills

    • Outlook

    • Needs

11. Situation Factors (Person-Environment Distinction)

  • Definition: External factors like culture, resources, or workplace environment that influence behavior.

  • Memory Trick: Think of "S.I.T.U.A.T.I.O.N.":

    • Support

    • Incentives

    • Team dynamics

    • Urgency

    • Available resources

    • Time constraints

    • Influence of others

    • Organizational culture

    • Norms

12. 3 Levels of OB

  • Definition: Individual, Group, and Organizational levels of analysis.

  • Memory Trick: Use the acronym I.G.O.:

    • Individual (e.g., personality, motivation)

    • Group (e.g., teamwork, communication)

    • Organizational (e.g., culture, structure)