Chapter 1: OB and Management Flashcards
What is an organization?
A consciously coordinated social unit, composed of a group of people, which functions on a relatively continuous basis to achieve a common goal or set of goals.
What are the behaviors necessary for survival in an organization?
- Be motivated to join and remain in the organization
- Carry out their basic work reliably in terms of productivity, quality, and service
- Be willing to continuously learn and upgrade their knowledge and skills
- Be flexible and innovative
What is organizational behavior (OB)?
A field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups, and structure have on behavior within organizations to improve effectiveness.
What are the characteristics of organizational behavior?
- Looks at consistencies in behavior
- More than common sense
- Has few absolutes
- Takes a contingency approach
Why study organizational behavior?
- To learn about yourself and how to work with others
- To understand and effect change
- To problem solve people issues
- To manage and lead effectively
What is the classical viewpoint in management?
An early prescription that advocated high specialization of labor, intensive coordination, and centralized decision making.
What is scientific management?
Frederick Taylor’s system for using research to determine the optimum degree of specialization and standardization of work tasks.
Define bureaucracy in the context of organizations.
Max Weber’s ideal type of organization that includes a strict chain of command, detailed rules, high specialization, centralized power, and selection based on technical competence.
What is the human relations movement?
A critique of classical management and bureaucracy advocating for more participative management styles oriented toward employee needs.
What does the contingency approach in management recognize?
There is no one best way to manage; the appropriate management style depends on the demands of the situation.
What are Mintzberg’s managerial roles?
Informational: Monitor, Disseminator, Spokesperson
Interpersonal Roles: Figurehead, Leader, Liaison
Decisional Roles: Entrepreneur, Disturbance handler, Resource allocator, Negotiator
What are the four types of managerial activities identified by Fred Luthans and colleagues?
- Routine communication
- Traditional management
- Networking
- Human resource management
How do experienced managers use intuition?
- To sense that a problem exists
- To perform well-learned mental tasks rapidly
- To synthesize isolated pieces of information
- To double-check formal analyses
List the five contemporary management concerns facing organizations.
- Diversity—Local and Global
- Employee Health and Well-Being
- Talent Management and Employee Engagement
- Alternative Work Arrangements
- Corporate Social Responsibility
Essential components of a psychologically healthy workplace
Communication
Work-Life Balance
Employee Involvement
Employee Recognition
Employee Growth and Development
Health and Safety
