Intro/Basic

Question 1

What is an Organisation?

Answer 1

A social arrangement for achieving controlled performance in pursuit of shared goals. These goals differ according to the organisation, setting or department.

Question 2

What is Organisational Behaviour? (long definition)

Answer 2

The study of human behaviour in organisational settings, the interaction between human behaviour and the organisation, as well as the organisation itself (Moorhead & Griffin, 1995).

Question 3

What is Organisational Behaviour? (short definition)

Answer 3

The systematic study of the behaviour of individuals and groups in organisational settings.

Question 4

What are the uses of Organisational Behaviour?

Answer 4

• Understanding how people function in general
• Understanding how people function at work
• Predicting how people will react
• Enhancing job performance and profitability
• Influencing and motivating people
• Creating a good fit between a person and their career
• Improving self-awareness of personality, skills and interests

Question 5

What are the research methods used in Organisational Behaviour?

Answer 5

• Correlation Research: Relationship between two variables
• Longitudinal Studies: Repeated observations of variables over time
• Experimental Studies: The researcher manipulates the independent variable to measure the effects on the dependent variable while controlling all other variables

Question 6

What is the Cycle of Theory and Research?

Answer 6

• Theories -> hypotheses which are then tested
• Involves collecting and analysing empirical data
• Outcomes influence views of the theory

Question 7

What and who came up with the theory for explaining behaviour?

Answer 7

Kurt Lewin’s famous formula of 1931:
B = f (P, E)

Behaviour is a function/joint product of the person and the environment.