2. organisations in the 21st century and beyond

Question 1

organisational psychology has progressed from examining individuals to examining

Answer 1

the organisation

Question 2

organisations have ‘downsized’, that is, reduced their workforce in a way that maintains

Answer 2

efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness

Question 3

growth of tech has not only increased the speed of work, it has also generated more modern forms of work, such as

Answer 3

telecommuting

Question 4

telecommuting is where

Answer 4

individuals can work from home, rather than being present in the office

Question 5

Another change to work in modern times is job security and career progression: a ‘job for life’ is

Answer 5

less common these days

Question 6

organisations have had to compete fiercely to attract and retain the best employees by finding ways to make themselves more attractive to work for, for example, by introducing

Answer 6

family-friendly policies and promoting career development opportunities

Question 7

Positive Forces of Diversity

Answer 7

Increased job satisfaction amongst staff leading to reduced costs associated with recruitment;

Enhanced customer relations through meeting the needs of diverse customers;

Enhanced organisational creativity, flexibility, and innovation; and,

Sustainable development and business advantages.

Question 8

Mullins (2010) has highlighted some of the effects of globalisation, such as

Answer 8

Improvements in international communications facilities, and increased consciousness of different workplace attitudes and beliefs;

International competitive pressure, i.e., due to the emergence of newly industrialised nations;

The spread of production methods and other business processes across nations and regions;

International business activity, such as overseas franchising, outsourcing business units to other countries.

Question 9

Negative Forces of Diversity:

Answer 9

Diminished cultural relatedness amongst employees;

The need for financial support to support flexibility where this does not occur naturally;

Workplace harmony being jeopardised when there is conflict; and,

Potential for conflict between organisations.

Question 10

globalisation refers to

Answer 10

growth of organisations that are integrating, operating, and competing in a global economy