Organizational Behavior (C715) – Flashcards and Practice Questions

Organizational Behavior (C715) - Key Concepts

Behavioral Influences

  • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:

    • A motivational theory proposing that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy.
    • Individuals are motivated by the satisfaction of their needs, which are categorized as follows:
    • Physiological Needs: Basic survival needs (e.g., food, water, shelter).
    • Safety Needs: Security and protection from physical and emotional harm.
    • Love/Belonging Needs: Social relationships and a sense of belonging.
    • Esteem Needs: Self-esteem, recognition, and respect from others.
    • Self-Actualization Needs: Achieving one's potential and personal growth.

  • Big Five Model:

    • A trait theory of personality which posits that five broad dimensions are essential in understanding human personality:
    • Openness: Creativity and willingness to try new things.
    • Conscientiousness: Organization, dependability, and discipline.
    • Extraversion: Sociability and enthusiasm.
    • Agreeableness: Compassionate and cooperative tendencies.
    • Neuroticism: Tendency towards emotional instability and negativity.

  • Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory:

    • A motivation theory suggesting that there are two sets of factors affecting job satisfaction:
    • Motivators: Factors that increase job satisfaction (e.g., achievement, responsibility, growth).
    • Hygiene Factors: Factors that can lead to dissatisfaction if missing (e.g., salary, work conditions, company policies).

Group Development

  • Stages of Group Development:

    • The model proposed by Tuckman identifies five stages:
    1. Forming: Initial stage where group members get acquainted.
    2. Storming: Conflicts arise; different opinions and personalities clash.
    3. Norming: Establishing norms, roles, and cohesion within the group.
    4. Performing: The group works effectively towards goals.
    5. Adjourning: The closure of the group’s activities.

  • Social Loafing:

    • A concept where individuals exert less effort in a group setting compared to when they are working individually.

Organizational Culture

  • Cultural Artifacts:
    • Items such as stories, rituals, and symbols that serve as evidence of the underlying values and assumptions of an organization’s culture.
  • Influence of Leaders on Culture:
    • Leaders shape the organizational culture by modeling appropriate values and establishing norms for behavior within the organization.

Leadership

  • Transformational Leadership:
    • A leadership style focused on inspiring and motivating followers to enact change that aligns with a vision.
  • Servant Leadership:
    • A philosophy where the leader prioritizes the needs of the team and the organization, emphasizing service over authority.

Performance Evaluation

  • 360-degree Feedback:
    • A comprehensive evaluation system that collects feedback from various sources, including peers, managers, subordinates, and self-evaluation.
  • Sandwich Method:
    • An approach to providing feedback that includes three steps:
    1. Praise: Start with positive feedback to encourage.
    2. Critique: Provide constructive criticism.
    3. Encouragement: End with positive reinforcement to motivate improvement.

Scenario-Based Questions (Answers Included)

  1. Social Loafing: Addressed in group dynamics where effort decreases.
  2. Storming: Identified as the second stage in group development, characterized by conflict.
  3. Transactional Leadership: A style focused on exchanges between leaders and followers.
  4. Cultural Artifacts: Elements reflecting the culture of an organization.
  5. Sandwich Method: A technique used in performance feedback.