Organizational behaviour

Question 1

Culture

Answer 1

Uniqueness of an organization –> homogeneity in values, ideas, norms and behaviours

Question 2

Values

Answer 2

principles that people within a community regard as worth striving for

Question 3

Norms

Answer 3

rules of behaviour that prescribe what people should or shouldn’t do

Question 4

Behaviour

Answer 4

results from the application of the culture’s values and norms

Question 5

Harrison & Handy 4x

Answer 5

Tasks, people rules and power

1. Task oriented culture: emphasises skills and expertise, results are more important than rules.
2. Person oriented culture: individual is foremost. Manager is the equal of the employee.
3. role oriented culture: foundations are formed by rules, agreements and procedures.
4. Power oriented: Has a strong leader who controls the organisation

Question 6

Deal & Kennedy

Answer 6

Organizational culture is determined by the degree of risk the organization takes and the speed with which the organization receives feedback about its operations.

Question 7

Neurotic traits

Answer 7

A consequence of the personality traits of people at the top

Question 8

(neurotic traits) Depressive culture

Answer 8

Based on lack of self-confidence and a sense of failure, everyone goes their own way. Directors lack leadership skills, is pessimistic and shies away from important decisions.

Question 9

(neurotic traits) compulsive culture

Answer 9

based on fear of losing control

Question 10

(neurotic traits) dramatic culture

Answer 10

based on leader’s need to be the centre of attention

Question 11

(neurotic traits) paranoid culture

Answer 11

based on suspicion and mistrust

Question 12

(neurotic traits) Schizoid culture

Answer 12

based on the feeling that the world doesn’t have much to offer.

Question 13

Which culture is best depends on the following: 3x

Answer 13

1. Phase of development
2. Environment
3. Nature of the tasks

Question 14

Onion model

Answer 14

From outside to inside:

1. Symbols
2. heroes
3. rituals
4. values
5. assumptions/principles

Question 15

Transmitting organizational culture:

Answer 15

Selection
socialisation
education and training
modelling
promotion and dismissal
rituals

Question 16

4 parameters on which organisations can differ from country to country:

Answer 16

powerdistance
individualism vs collectivism
masculinity vs feminity
avoidance of uncertainty

Question 17

5 requirements to effect cultural change:

Answer 17

1. Making people aware of the necessity of the change
2. Vision, involvement and inspiration from the top
3. Organizational and structural support
4. Education and reinforcement
5. symbols, heroes and rituals