Chapter 1 Flashcards
Who uses Organizational behavior? And for what?
Scientists and practitioners to enhance effectiveness and individual well being
Define Organizational Behavior
The multidisciplinary field that seeks knowledge of behavior in organizational settings by systematically studying individuals, groups and organizational process
What research methods are used in organizational behavior ?
Survey research: questionnaires
Experimental research: cause- effect relationships in lab/field setting
Naturalistic observation: systematically observer in work setting
Case study: description of series of event that happened in particular organization
What are the 3 levels of analysis OB focuses on?
Individuals- Micro approach
Groups
Organizations- Macro approach
Micro approach
Study of how OB scientists study individual perceptions, attitudes and motives
Macro approach
The study of organizations as a whole, the way they are structured and operate in their environment and the effects of their operations on the individuals and groups with in them
What are the two views of management?
Theory x
Theory y
Theory x orientation
Management view that people are lazy, dislike work, need direction, and will only work hard when pushed into doing so
Theory Y orientation
Management view that people have psychological need to work and seek achievement & responsibility. Associated with improving work lives of employees
OB assumes that there is “.. … …. ………”
No one best approach
What is contingency approach?
An orientation that recognizes that behavior in work settings is the complex result of many interacting forces
Why does OB matter?
Everyone is responsible
Managers supportive= lower cost / higher production
Employees better work life= workers more pleasant/ less likely to steal/quit
Is OB responsive to socioeconomic conditions?
Yes, organizations are dynamic in nature changing when people change which therefore changes the environment
Define Organization
A structured social system consisting of groups and individuals working together to meet some agreed upon objectives. An organization is a open system
Define open system
Organizations are self sustaining system that use energy to transform resources from the environment into some form of output
How does OB respond to technology?
Automation/ downsizing
Outsourcing/ offshoring
Virtual corporation
Telecommuting
Define Automation
The process of replacing people with machines
define downsizing
Adjusting the number of employees needed to work in newly designed organizations
define outsourcing
When a company hires an outside firm to eliminate departments that focus on non core sectors of business
Core competency
The ability for a company to focus on what it does best when outsourcing secondary activities
Offshoring
The process of shift jobs to nations other than one’s homeland
Virtual corporation
A virtual corporation is a highly flexible, temporary organization formed by a group of companies that join forces to exploit a specific opportunity
