1.3: Major trends that are changing OB today Flashcards
What are the four major trends affecting the field of organizational behavior (OB) today?
The four major trends are the gig economy and virtual workplace, big data and analytics, globalization, and diversity.
How is the gig economy changing traditional employment relationships?
The gig economy involves short-term, flexible work arrangements where workers act as consultants or contingent workers rather than traditional employees, often facilitated by platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and Upwork.
What impact has the gig economy had on traditional OB variables?
It has altered variables like job satisfaction, engagement, loyalty, and teamwork, and created challenges in fostering loyalty and collaboration among nonemployees.
What are the pros and cons of a worldwide virtual workforce?
Pros: Companies can access talent globally and reduce fixed costs.
Cons: Contract workers may have less job security and benefits, and may be less inclined to innovate or exhibit behaviors supporting firm growth.
What is “big data” in the context of decision-making in OB?
Big data refers to large datasets generated by digital activities, which companies use for advanced decision-making, including predicting consumer behavior and improving people management.
How are HR departments using big data for decision-making?
HR departments deploy predictive models to identify, recruit, and retain talent, helping organizations address issues like high turnover and shortages in key positions.
What surprising finding did McKinsey report regarding retention of top performers?
Retention was more closely related to supervisor relationships than to increased compensation.
Why is the ability to develop an analytical view of people practices important for future organizations?
It differentiates successful organizations by helping them make informed decisions, which is becoming increasingly critical as data applications expand.
How has globalization impacted business and organizational behavior?
Globalization has expanded business boundaries, requiring organizations to address more pronounced ethnic, cultural, and generational issues in their workforce and operations across the globe.
Why is it challenging to apply organizational behavior (OB) concepts in a global context?
Because little of what is known about OB is universal or culture-free, and firms with international operations must decide whether to apply consistent policies globally or tailor them to local cultures.
What is one major implication of working outside one’s native country?
Individuals and organizations face new lessons and challenges, including adapting to different cultural norms and practices that affect job performance and engagement.
How does workplace diversity differ from globalization in organizational behavior?
While globalization concerns differences among people across different countries, diversity focuses on differences among people within a given country or organization.
What significant workforce change occurred in the U.S. during the second half of the 20th century?
There was a rapid increase in the number of female workers in the labor force.
What is a key diversity challenge expected in the first half of the 21st century?
Changes in racial and ethnic composition and the aging of the baby boom generation.
What generational groups are influencing the modern workforce, and how do they differ?
Baby boomers are retiring, while millennials and Generation Z are becoming dominant.
Millennials reportedly share little in terms of experience, working styles, and priorities with Generation Z, the youngest cohort of workers.
