Lesson 3

Question 1

What are the essential elements of individual-organization?

Answer 1

1. Psychological contract
2. Employment contract
   3.Organizational Culture (values, norms)
3. Power Dynamics and Hierarchies
4. Support systems (training, mentors)
5. Individual needs and organizational goals (career growth, profitability)

Question 2

What is the purpose of the formal employment contract?

Answer 2

To regulate the relationship between employer and employee, defining expectations and obligations.

Question 3

Name the three types of employment regulation identified by Dibben et al. (2011).

Answer 3

1. Statutory
2. Social
3. Market

Question 4

Define the psychological contract as per Guest and Conway (2002).

Answer 4

The perceptions of reciprocal promises and obligations implied in the employment relationship.

Question 5

How does the psychological contract differ from the formal contract?

Answer 5

The psychological contract significantly influences attitudes and behaviors beyond the formal agreement.

Question 6

What are transactional and relational psychological contracts?

Answer 6

Transactional: Short-term, specific obligations.
Relational: Long-term, loyalty-based commitments.

Question 7

What is the unitarist approach to workplace power?

Answer 7

Managers are seen as the sole legitimate source of power in the organization.

Question 8

Contrast the pluralist and radical views of workplace power.

Answer 8

Pluralist: Multiple sources of power exist. Radical: Conflict is inherent between management and workers.

Question 9

What is the role of trade unions in managing the employment relationship?

Answer 9

To represent employee interests and provide protection through independent organizations.

Question 10

Define trust in the workplace as per Young and Daniel (2003).

Answer 10

Trust involves cognition, context, and emotions, influenced by mutual reliability and transparency.

Question 11

Name two ways trust can be built in the workplace.

Answer 11

1. Transparency 2. Reliability

Question 12

What are the four main goals of workplace communication according to Scott and Mitchell (1976)?

Answer 12

1. Control
2. Motivation
3. Emotional expression
4. Provision of information

Question 13

Name types of communication networks identified by Greenbaum (1974).

Answer 13

1. Informative-instructive
2. Regulative
3. Innovative
4. Integrative

Question 14

What did Bavelas (1950) conclude about centralized communication networks?

Answer 14

Centralized networks are faster but have higher error rates and lower member satisfaction.

Question 15

What are the four dimensions of organizational structure influencing communication (Jensen, 2003)?

Answer 15

1. Size
2. Complexity
3. Formalization
4. Centralization

Question 16

Define employee voice in organizational behavior.

Answer 16

Refers to the ways in which employees express their opinions, concerns, ideas, or suggestions within an organization.

Employees’ verbal contributions that are constructive to management and improve decision-making.

Question 17

What are direct and indirect voice mechanisms?

Answer 17

Direct: Face-to-face input.
Indirect: Representation through structures like unions.

Question 18

What factors affect the effectiveness of employee voice mechanisms?

Answer 18

Breadth (number of mechanisms) and depth (how valued the voice is).

Question 19

How does the international context influence employee voice?

Answer 19

Cultural and organizational norms shape how voice is used and valued across countries.

Question 20

What factors can lead to miscommunication in difficult workplace messages?

Answer 20

Lack of clarity, emotional reactions, and failure to adapt to the audience’s needs.

Question 21

How can rumors impact organizational communication?

Answer 21

They can flourish in the absence of clear communication but may provide informal insights.

Question 22

How can communication influence trust in an organization?

Answer 22

Transparent and consistent communication fosters trust and reduces uncertainty.

Question 23

What role does the psychological contract play in employee engagement?

Answer 23

It shapes expectations and motivates employees by aligning mutual commitments.

Question 24

Why are communication structures important in organizations?

Answer 24

They impact efficiency, innovation, and employee satisfaction.

Question 25

What is the pluralist view on workplace conflict?

Answer 25

It acknowledges diverse sources of power and the potential for differing goals among stakeholders.

Question 26

Give an example of a communication network suited for innovative thinking.

Answer 26

Free communication networks where ideas flow openly among team members.

Question 27

How are the individual-organization
relationships managed?

Answer 27

fostering alignment between the individual and the organization while addressing challenges.

ey strategies include:

1. Recruitment and onboarding
2. Performance management
3. Employee engagement and motivation
4. Conflict resolution
5. Flexibility and work-life balance
6. Communication channels

Question 28

How Does Communication Take Place in Organizations?

Answer 28

1. Formal
2. Informal
3. Top-down
4. Bottom-up
5. Lateral / Horizontal
6. Non verbal
7. Technology enabled
8. Communication Barriers

Question 29

What is a work council?

Answer 29

is a representative body of employees within an organization that works collaboratively with management to address workplace issues, improve communication, and protect employee interests.