1.5: Explain what it means to think contingently about OB issues Flashcards
What does it mean to think contingently about OB issues?
Contingency thinking recognizes that there is rarely one best way to act and that effective behavior depends on the interaction of personal characteristics (skills, attitudes, values) and situational factors (reward systems, culture, coworkers).
Why is the question “How do you motivate people?” considered too simplistic in OB?
Because motivation depends on the individuals involved, their history, and the specific context, requiring a deeper understanding to develop effective strategies.
How should the question “How do you motivate people?” be reframed for better OB practice?
It should be expanded to “How do you motivate whom, to do what, under what circumstances?” to account for the varying factors that influence motivation.
Provide examples of how motivation strategies differ by context.
Motivating restaurant servers to upsell is different from motivating supervisors to provide regular feedback.
Motivating young factory workers in Shanghai differs from motivating senior engineers in Germany.
What is the relevance of the medical school motto “No treatment without diagnosis” to OB?
It emphasizes the need for managers to diagnose the specific factors influencing behavior before applying any motivational or management strategies.
How does evidence-based management support contingency thinking in OB?
It provides a foundation for understanding which practices are likely to be effective while emphasizing the need for diligent diagnosis and tailoring strategies to specific situations.
Why are there no universal truths in OB practices?
OB practices rely on contingent factors that vary by situation, meaning some practices may be more effective than others, but their success depends on the context.
