Chapter 14-The social psychology of organizations

Question 1

What is the goal of management? (2 answers)

Answer 1

1. Influence the behavior of individual employees

2. Monitoring the task performance of its workers allows organizations to reward and punish them.

Question 2

What is the goal of social psychology for organizations? (1st review question)

Answer 2

To understand the human behavior in organizations

Question 3

What is a positive social identity?

Answer 3

When you as a member of a company/group are positively associated with the positively valued group.

Question 4

Describe two consequences of the search for a positive identity. (2nd review question)

Answer 4

1. People may rely on group affiliations to maintain a positive self or to improve the way others view them.
2. ?

Question 5

Indicate three aspects of behavior that motivation theories aim to understand.

Answer 5

1. Which conditions that encourage employees to invest energy in their work (Energize)
2. Which activities they are likely to focus and put effort into (Direction)
3. What makes them continue their effort over time ( Persistence)

Question 6

What is social categorization?

Answer 6

When a person is categorized by their distinctive features such as gender, ethnicity etc. into social groups.

Question 7

Describe the conditions under which a common identity can be established despite differences between workers. (Review question 4)

Answer 7

—Locomotion goals, uniform symbols?

Question 8

Can you explain how an organization can communicate that it values the contributions of ethnic minority workers? (Review question 5)

Answer 8

The organization should acknowledge and respect the different ethnicities which most likely will lead to that the minority group will be willing to be understanding of the organization’s values and rules.

Question 9

What is Organization citizenship behavior (OCB)?

Answer 9

All voluntary efforts that go beyond the call of duty, but are essential for the competitive success of the organization.

Question 10

Which three important things do employees prefer to be included in their work?

Answer 10

1. Autonomy
2. Task variety
3. Skill variety

Question 11

What is the social identity theory?

Answer 11

Individuals derive their self-concepts from their group membership.

Question 12

What is the self-categorization theory?

Answer 12

We depersonalize and categorize us with our group.

Question 13

What can be done about diversity at work?

Answer 13

A strengthen common identity with for example uniform symbols.

Question 14

How do you explain an organization climate?

Answer 14

People who are working together trying to reach specific achievements, behaviours and choices.