Introduction

Question 1

What is Organisational Behaviour?

Answer 1

OB is a field of study that investigates the the impact that individual factors, group factors and structural factors have on behaviour within organisations.

Question 2

Describe Frederic Taylor’s understanding of Scientific Management

Answer 2

FT wanted to find a system to reduce idle times and boost productivity within companies with messy workflows.

Question 3

Describe Weber’s understanding of bureaucracy

Answer 3

Weber saw bureaucracy as a means of rationally managing complex organisations

Question 4

Outline some key characteristics of bureacracy

Answer 4

• Single supervisor
• Centralisation of power
• Chain of command
• Rules and regulations

Question 5

Describe Elton Mayo’s Hawthorn Experiment (human relations view)

Answer 5

Elton Mayo took 3 workers and varied their conditions with increased breaks and rest time - they found improvements in productivity, but these were not from the breaks since when the improvements were taken away they were even more productive. This implied that it was the special attention that made the difference rather than the conditions.

Question 6

Describe the classical view of OB

Answer 6

Focus is on the system - optimal system = optimal performance. Employees are not self-motivated or independent.

Question 7

Describe the human relations view of OB

Answer 7

Employee psychology is an important predictor of performance. Researchers should seek to understand the employee’s mind.

Question 8

Describe the contingency view of OB

Answer 8

Classical and human relations view both useful, at different times.
Eg:
Mindless, routine procedure - classical best
Creative - HR best